After massive vitality investments, Biden should prep for GOP scrutiny
Midway by his time period, President Joe Biden can use his State of the Union tackle to tout billions of {dollars}’ value of congressional appropriations to make the U.S. extra vitality self-reliant, however the window for large legislative breakthroughs is probably going over with a Republican-majority Home.
Biden urged Congress throughout his State of the Union final yr to undertake his vitality proposals at the same time as he warned the general public to brace for greater pump costs and heating payments due to the war-triggered shortage of petroleum merchandise. He additionally argued that federal investments in renewable vitality and electrification would ultimately save shoppers cash.
“A Russian dictator invading a international nation has prices all over the world,” Biden stated, including that he would use gross sales from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to buttress the oil provide. Allies would promote a few of their stockpiles on the worldwide market, reducing costs, Biden stated. “These steps will assist blunt gasoline costs right here at residence.”
Congress went on to go main local weather, infrastructure and expertise laws, and whereas gasoline costs spiked, they’ve since returned to prewar ranges.
However weeks into the 118th Congress, that strategic reserve has been a number one matter after the Home handed laws to require the administration to develop plans to extend oil manufacturing when it sells. One other invoice, which the Home additionally handed, bans gross sales from the reserve to China.
