Bipartisanship and investments will make U.S. energy affordable and climate solutions achievable

OPINION:

Strategically investing in America’s clean energy future is one of my highest priorities as Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. As we face today’s climate change challenges, we’ve seen the rollout of scores of top-down, big government mandates that attempt to address global emissions. Not only are these misguided attempts ineffective, but they also end up raising energy prices for hard working Americans across the country. If we want to make real progress, we need to strengthen our research enterprise and invest in the acceleration of next-generation domestic energy pathways. This will lead to new, innovative technologies that will generate responsible and sustainable solutions for decades to come.

Over the past few years, we’ve made positive headway in supporting the federal research and development programs that will lead to science and energy technology breakthroughs. The passage of the bipartisan Energy Act of 2020 was the first comprehensive overhaul of U.S. energy policy in more than a decade and included strategic funding for critical, fundamental research across the Department of Energy’s applied energy offices. No mandates. No regulations. Simply investing in basic and early-stage research that will spur advancements in nuclear energy, geothermal resources, energy storage and more. This will drive clean energy solutions that address global climate change while keeping U.S. energy competitive and affordable.

We also saw substantial funding for next-generation energy technologies with the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, legislation that was largely based on language first introduced by Science Committee Republicans. These investments will support basic science research in areas like fusion energy, materials science, and carbon capture and sequestration technologies, all setting the stage for clean, reliable, and affordable solutions to tackle our biggest climate threats. Better yet, these investments will boost our STEM workforce, enhance the American talent pipeline, and generate new domestic and international partnerships benefits that will considerably strengthen our scientific enterprise.

I’m proud of the progress we’ve made so far, as it proves we can work together in a bipartisan fashion to advance climate-focused innovation. However, if we want to ensure success in the future, we must continue to prioritize these crucial technological investments. We can’t do this without new efforts to generate scientific discoveries.

Looking ahead, I’m eager to work with my colleagues both on the Science Committee and off to continue on the path forward on long-term, practical climate solutions. Changes won’t happen overnight, but we have the incredible resources and world-class talent right here at home to cultivate a strong research industry and lead the global scientific enterprise in reducing emissions in an affordable and accessible way. Today the stakes have never been higher, and we can’t afford to lose our hard-won momentum it’s time to commit to America’s scientific progress.

• Frank Lucas, Oklahoma Republican, serves as Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. Representing Oklahoma’s Third Congressional District since 1994, he is the longest-serving Member on the House Agriculture Committee and the longest-serving Republican on the House Financial Services Committee.