Chair Rodgers Opening Remarks at NRC Budget Hearing

Washington D.C. - House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today's Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee hearing titled "The Fiscal Year 2025 Nuclear Regulatory Commission Budget."

"Good morning, and welcome to today's hearing to examine the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's performance and its budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

"I am pleased that all five commissioners are here today to offer their testimony. Welcome back to Chairman Phillips and Commissioner Christie.

"I would also like to offer a warm welcome to FERC's newest members, Commissioners Rosner, See, and Chang.

"As you know, FERC was established by Congress as an independent agency within the Department of Energy through the Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977.

"As an independent agency, FERC answers to Congress-not the Executive Branch.

"Congress established FERC as an economic regulator to ensure that electricity, natural gas, and oil is delivered to the American people safely, securely, and at a reasonable price.

"In order to achieve this, we need solutions that bring down costs for Americans, who are currently paying more while getting less.

"Expanding American energy with an all-of-the-above strategy will ensure families won't have to worry about rationing energy in the summer or winter months or having to make tough choices about whether to pay the electric bill or buy groceries for their family."

CHALLENGES FACING AMERICA'S ENERGY SYSTEMS

"That requires that FERC adhere to its core mission, especially as America's energy and economic security is increasingly under attack by the Biden administration.

"Over the last four years, this administration and Democrats have wreaked havoc on our nation's economy, energy prices, and our grid and pipeline infrastructure.

"Americans and their families continue to suffer under record inflation and sky-high household bills.

"The Biden administration and Democrats are prioritizing the interests of radical environmental activists over the people.

"They've eliminated jobs and investments for American energy workers, made us dangerously dependent on the Chinese Communist Party for our energy supply chains, and are forcing the early retirement of our most affordable and reliable power plants, opening the door for solar and battery companies controlled by the CCP to flood our markets and take advantage of our tax credits.

"I am deeply concerned that, under this administration, FERC has lost sight of its mission.

"FERC has the responsibility to ensure that the interstate transmission of electricity and natural gas is 'just and reasonable.'

"It also has a responsibility to issue timely permits for pipelines, hydropower projects, and LNG export facilities when they are in the 'public interest' of Americans.

"The commission must do more to insolate itself from the Democrat's rush-to-green agenda and refocus on the core mission that Congress originally intended."

ENERGY PRICES FOR AMERICANS

"I was disappointed by FERC's recent transmission rule, which advanced along partisan lines.

"The new rule will raise energy prices and tramples on states' authority over their energy infrastructure.

"It will force some states to shoulder the costs for transmission lines with no actual benefits for their own communities, especially in rural areas.

"The commission has also slow-walked permitting for pipelines and LNG facilities, which directly impacts the supply and price of natural gas.

"At a time when more than half of the nation is at elevated risk of blackouts, we need to do more to unleash American energy rather than throttle it.

"That starts with meaningful infrastructure permitting reforms that reduce energy costs for Americans and ensure the U.S. can reach its full energy potential."

LOOKING FORWARD

"I cannot say this enough: energy is foundational to everything we do.

"It's what keeps the lights on, heats our homes, and powers our hospitals, businesses, and transportation.

"Access to affordable, reliable energy over the past century has raised our standard of living, driven technological innovation, and improved the health and wellbeing of all Americans.

"We need to continue protecting and building on that legacy.

"Today's hearing is an opportunity for Members to explore recent actions taken-and not taken-by FERC, including the recent transmission rule, as well as other FERC policies that impact the American people's electric bills and our energy security.

"We also look forward to hearing from Commissioners Rosner, See, and Chang, to learn how their past experiences and regulatory philosophy will shape their approaches at FERC."

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