REIN in big government to unleash our energy economy

OPINION:

Every element of our lives begins with energy. From the literal fuel we put in our cars and trucks to the industries we dominate, energy is the foundation. There is no doubt that the United States is rich in natural resources, including natural gas. But what is often left out is the creative thinking that continues to drive innovation. Unfortunately, this administration seems to think that the heavy hand of government is the answer. I propose that, in fact, it’s the problem. With over 1.3 million active regulations on the books, key industries and consumers are feeling the squeeze.

The solution is to rein in big government and radically change the way government agencies regulate.

As a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, H.R. 1 represents years of thoughtful legislation that prioritizes domestic energy production and increases our North American energy security by reforming permitting for key energy infrastructure projects across our borders. While this administration continues to call for unaffordable electric vehicles in a tone-deaf “holier than thou” approach to so-called “green energy,” the Lower Energy Costs Act stops the administration’s attempt to phase out gasoline-powered vehicles and encourages an all-of-the-above set of solutions that take advantage of our energy-rich resources here at home.

In Florida, we’ve been strong proponents of liquid natural gas (LNG). Jacksonville, just outside of my district in North Central Florida, is home to the country’s largest LNG bunkering facility. LNG has become an increasingly important source of energy in the U.S., and for good reason. It’s a clean-burning fuel that’s abundant and has the potential to create thousands of jobs that will strengthen our economy and reduce our reliance on foreign energy sources. While China expands its global footprint in energy production and critical mineral harvesting, it’s time we take advantage of the resources available on our own soil to establish our energy security dominance.

One advantage of LNG is its convenience for transportation and storage. This is particularly important for areas of the country not connected to the natural gas pipeline network. Transported by truck or ship and stored in tanks until needed, LNG is a flexible and valuable option for communities looking to diversify their energy sources and reduce their dependence on costlier options.

LNG also plays a critical role in national security and our energy independence. By reducing our dependence on foreign oil and gas, we strengthen our energy security and reduce our vulnerability to supply disruptions and price volatility, which we’ve seen in the last several years due to COVID and supply chain challenges.

To bolster our energy infrastructure for LNG and other energy sources, streamlining the regulatory process to make it easier for companies to build new terminals and pipelines will be pivotal for encouraging investment. Thankfully, H.R. 1 works to improve the permitting process by reforming the burdensome regulatory environment that has stifled innovation and investment with government overreach and bureaucracy.

A bill I introduced this Congress, H.R. 277, the Regulations from the Executive In Need of Scrutiny Act (REINS) takes necessary steps to address this executive overreach that has run rampant for decades, of which administrations on both sides of the aisle are guilty. REINS prohibits any “major rule” costing more than $100M from going into effect without congressional approval. This returns the power to the American people instead of the nameless, faceless bureaucrats in Washington, D.C., and ensures that Congress is the true lawmaking authority, not the federal agencies.

As we work to re-establish American energy dominance in the U.S. and rein in the regulatory overreach that has stifled innovation and development of our resources, we must work to strengthen our infrastructure and create an environment for our energy independence that is more secure, sustainable, and prosperous.

• U.S. Representative Kat Cammack, Florida Republican, serves on the House Energy & Commerce and Agriculture Committees. She represents the state’s Third Congressional District and works to address the challenges faced by working-class families and Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and producers with rising inflation, labor challenges, and supply-chain issues.