OPINION:
As Republicans in the House strive to deliver affordable, reliable and clean energy, Congress must rely on the vast natural resources in our country. America is on the precipice of an energy crisis as the Biden administration retires reliable baseload power, shuts down vital mining operations and approves the fewest lease sales of any administration.
The key to ensuring reliable baseload power is the natural element copper. Copper is vital for the electric motors and turbines that drive our energy ambitions. But despite its significance, American mining operations are facing the Biden administration’s war on energy that prevents them from mining copper. It’s time for the administration to take responsibility for its actions that work against our nation’s energy security and economic prosperity.
Because of its durability and incomparable ability as a conductor, copper is widely used in energy and electrical applications. Our energy infrastructure uses copper for transformers, wiring and cabling. It’s crucial to the performance of electric motors and turbines, both of which are pivotal in generating and distributing electricity, even in renewable energy resources.
Copper is also used in windings and components of electric motors that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. These motors power household appliances, industrial machinery, electric vehicles and more. In wind turbines, copper is used in the generator, power cables and control systems. It’s vital to note that copper is also used in renewable sources. For example, the average wind turbine contains about 5 tons of copper. As we strive to increase reliable renewable energy generation, demand for critical elements like copper will increase exponentially.
Despite the need for copper, American mining operations are being stifled and shut down by President Biden’s overregulation of the industry and the blocking of projects because of Mr. Biden’s reclassification of land. Countless mining projects have been blocked because the land was redesignated as a national monument or protected area. As a hunter and an outdoorsman, I believe in conservation, but it must be balanced by a commonsense focus on ensuring our energy security and economic growth.
But let’s be clear: Mr. Biden is selling out American energy security to win political points with radical climate activists, not because he is focused on real conservation.
For example, the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah blocked harvesting natural resources such as copper. America has vast natural resources to be energy-sufficient, but energy cannot be produced, utilized, transported or exported if we never harvest these natural resources.
Just like with nuclear and natural gas pipeline projects, the permitting process prohibits the buildup of new mining projects due to bureaucrats imposing red tape on America first energy initiatives. This red tape not only makes the United States reliant on other countries for energy but also means lost jobs and less money generated here at home.
America is on the precipice of an energy crisis, but it can be averted if it chooses to cut red tape and pass policies that lead to increased energy production. To be energy independent and to reclaim our mining legacy, we must first produce energy — generating energy through America’s vast natural resources.
We must ensure adequate infrastructure expansions to deliver the energy produced.
America should also use energy efficiently through an “all of the above” energy policy to meet today’s and future energy demands. That means increasing baseload power generation while using new, innovative technologies in tandem with renewables.
Lastly, we bolster our independence and global position by exporting energy to our allies. Exporting generates the economic benefits of energy independence and supports allies trying to end their dependence on Russia, China and OPEC for energy.
The United States has the technological and innovative prowess to succeed, but we must get big government out of the way of commonsense energy solutions for Americans.
As chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate and Grid Security, I lead the committee on policies that ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for all Americans. Our solutions use natural resources, maintain reliable baseload power generation and expand energy infrastructure.
Mr. Biden must stop pandering to radical activists who want reliable energy generation shut down. He must choose to stand with Americans in pursuing energy independence through energy policies that will protect our national security.
Mr. Biden, suspend your policies that block the harvesting of copper and natural resources. Let’s deliver reliable, affordable and clean energy for Americans before we experience an energy crisis the likes of which America has never seen.
• Jeff Duncan has represented South Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District since 2011 and is chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate and Grid Security.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.