HOUSE BUDGET COMMITTEE HEARING
OVERVIEW
For questions on the note below, please contact Edmund Perry at (202) 547-3035 or or Ruth Lunsford at (434) 238-7224.
On September 19, the House Budget Committee held a hearing entitled “The Cost of the Biden-Harris Energy Crisis.” Witnesses in the hearing were:
- Diana Furchtgott-Roth, Director of the Center for Energy, Climate, and Environment, The Heritage Foundation
- Alex Epstein, President and Founder, Center for Industrial Progress
- Donna Jackson, Director of Membership Development, Project 21
- Trevor Higgins, Minority Witness, Senior Vice President for Energy and Environment, Center for American Progress
Below are some high-level takeaways from the hearing.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The following is a summary of the main topics explored in today’s hearing. Each is discussed in further detail in the Discussion section below.
- The hearing focused on the economic impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its implications for energy policy, job creation, and climate change initiatives. Lawmakers debated the effectiveness of the IRA, its burden on low-income families, and the broader consequences for U.S. energy independence and global competitiveness.
- Some Republicans expressed concern that the IRA may negatively impact economic competitiveness and job security in traditional energy sectors, arguing that its ambitious climate goals are unrealistic and could lead to unintended consequences. They asserted that the current administration’s policies disproportionately burden low-income and middle-class families by increasing living costs, including energy prices. Republicans advocated for a renewed focus on fossil fuel reliance and deregulation to achieve energy independence, contending that such policies are essential for maintaining U.S. global competitiveness and ensuring affordable energy for all Americans. They argued that the emphasis on government mandates and regulations stifles innovation and economic growth.
- Many Democrats view the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) as a crucial measure to address climate change while delivering significant job creation. They argued that the IRA is designed to alleviate financial pressures on low-income and middle-class families by lowering energy costs and providing incentives for adopting clean energy technologies. Additionally, they emphasized that the transition to cleaner energy sources can lead to substantial job growth in sectors like renewable energy and electric vehicle manufacturing, which are vital for sustainable economic development and long-term environmental goals.