The GOP’s Energy Strategy

 

WHEN REPUBLICATIONS TOOK CONTROL OF CONGRESS two years ago, their influence over the future of national energy policy increased. The Obama administration subsequently rolled back several regulatory initiatives central to the utility sector. To better understand how House Republicans view the future of energy policy, EnergyBiz submitted questions to Rep. Ed Whitfield, R-Ky., the chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power. His written responses, edited for style and length, follow.

What is the top energy legislation that Republican members of the House would like to see passed in 2012?

Republicans will be focused on legislation to advance the development of our domestic resources, while also taking up much needed oversight of the energy acts of 2005 and 2007. Another item that is beginning to get some attention is potential legislation to revisit the Clean Air Act. Too many times over the past decade, environmental policy has been set by the courts through litigation between regulators and outside advocacy groups, and we intend for that to end.

What will be the major energy issue in 2012 and beyond?

The major issue in the coming years will not be much different from past years, and that is how we fuel our transportation, manufacturing and electricity sectors, in addition to home and commercial heating requirements. Will we continue to rely too much on foreign supplies of energy, often from countries that don't like us too much?

Do you see any way forward for the Republicans and Democrats in the House to work together on major energy policy initiatives?

Energy issues have not been partisan issues, traditionally. Every energy or environment bill we have passed in this Congress has carried the support of several Democrats, so while there has been some obvious policy difference on some issues as well as issues that break along geographical interests, we've also had very good bipartisan support for every bill that has come out of the Energy and Power Subcommittee.

What is your view of efforts to extend the renewable energy tax incentive program past its expiration in 2012 for wind projects and 2013 for other projects?

That's an issue under the jurisdiction of the Ways and Means Committee, rather than the Energy and Commerce Committee, but I believe it's time to end these subsidies. The federal government should not be picking winners and losers among energy providers, especially at a time when we have a $14 trillion debt.

Should the federal government play any role in promoting emerging new energy technologies through subsidies?

The federal government can play a role in helping new technologies get up and running through mechanisms other than tax incentives or direct subsidies. A more effective approach may be support for large-scale projects that can have the potential for big results, either through a federal partnership or through elimination of barriers that might dissuade private sector investment.

Do you think Congress needs to address the carbon emissions issue?

Congress has spoken to this issue at least three times already, and the answer has been "no" each time. This does not seem to be an issue of priority concern among the American people, many of whom are unsure of the science and some of whom favor controls but not the costs required to implement them. Meanwhile, there are lowcost or even no-cost steps that might be taken to reduce carbon emissions, such as promoting energy efficiency or removing disincentives for the modernization of existing power plants.

Other issues?

I want to continue to examine what we can do by way of federal policy to assure that we have a sufficient and reliable source of electricity generation, and the infrastructure to reliably deliver it at a fair cost to consumers. We need to modernize and enhance the security of our electricity grid. We have vast oil and gas reserves that are becoming available to us through new technology that can address environmental concerns of the past, and we need to nurture that development and be sure we are responsible in our use of it.