Reps. Keller, Comer demand answers on exporting energy to Europe during domestic energy crisis

U.S. Reps. Fred Keller (R-PA) and James Comer (R-KY) led a group of Congressmembers in expressing concern over plans by the President Joe Biden Administration to export energy to Europe during a domestic energy crisis.

In a letter sent to the President, Keller and Comer said they were concerned that U.S. liquified natural gas (LNG) companies were being asked to ship supply overseas because of Russia’s threat to invade Ukraine. The Congressmen asked how the President intended to ensure that Americans did not suffer possible shortages or endure a “prolonged, self-inflicted energy crisis.”

“We are concerned about your Administration’s handling of domestic energy production in the United States and the implications it imposes on national security,” the lawmakers wrote. “Your Administration has crippled domestic energy production, including canceling the Keystone Pipeline, placing a moratorium on oil and gas production on federal land, and proposing taxpayers fund the Green New Deal with billions of dollars. These policies have led to surging gas and heating prices.”

At the same time, lawmakers said, the administration lifted sanctions to allow construction on the Russian-owned Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Reducing American energy production while asking U.S. liquefied gas companies to increase production because of Russia’s threat to invade Ukraine raises concerns about whether or not America has adequate energy supplies and how that may impact consumers, they said.

The letter asked the administration to inform the House Oversight and Reform Committee Republicans whether or not it has asked for input from American LNG companies about additional export opportunities to Europe due to Russia’s threats; what the administration’s plans were to protect the U.S. energy markets; whether the administration has a plan to increase domestic energy production generally; whether the request for LNG to be sent to Europe impact America’s ability to export to other countries.

The letter requested the administration’s answer no later than Feb. 24, 2022.