In The News
Weekly Column: My SPR Transparency Bill Reduces Political Games & Strengthens Energy Security
Washington,
April 28, 2023
Our nation’s strategic energy reserves should be used in cases of emergency, not political expediency. In the run up to the 2022 elections, President Biden drained millions upon millions of barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). These withdrawals were so massive, they dropped our reserves to their lowest level in roughly 40 years. Taking such action without having a clear plan to replenish the reserve erodes our national security. Many, including myself, found the timing to be suspect. It is inappropriate for any President, no matter their party, to use our emergency stockpiles to influence an election. In order to prevent something similar from happening in the future, I introduced the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Transparency Act. This commonsense, two-page bill requires the Secretary of Energy to write a report to Congress explaining the emergency and why it warranted tapping into the reserves if such an action was taken within five months of a national election. I continue to believe the best way to reduce and sustain lower energy prices is to increase domestic production, not play political games with our strategic reserve. President Biden’s costly and out of touch agenda has made it more expensive to heat your home, drive to work, and buy your groceries. Draining our strategic energy reserves doesn’t cover the price increases caused by the Biden Administration’s failed policies. Recently, I called on Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm to refill the SPR when a dip in oil prices presented an opportunity to minimize the cost to taxpayers. Sadly, that advice was not taken. To provide lower costs and meaningful results over the long-term for individuals, families, and job creators across Southwest Michigan, the Senate should pass the Lower Energy Costs Act. In the meantime, let’s pass the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Transparency Act because it is a commonsense measure designed to remove the political games and protect our national energy security. If you need help navigating a federal agency, please visit Huizenga.House.Gov or call my office in Holland at (616) 251-6741 or in Washington at (202) 225-4401 so we can assist you.
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