March 28, 2023
Reschenthaler Manages Rule Debate on H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) delivered the following remarks on the House floor when he managed the Rule Debate on H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act.
Remarks as prepared for delivery:
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this rule and in support of the underlying legislation.
H.R. 1 unleashes American energy and immediately lower costs for families by resuming lease sales on federal lands and waters, repealing fee increases on energy production, and ending the moratorium on coal leasing.
Additionally, H.R. 1 strengthens America’s critical mineral supply, prohibits a moratorium on hydraulic fracking, and streamlines the permitting process.
On day 1 of his presidency, President Biden launched a war on American energy by canceling the Keystone XL Pipeline and pausing new oil and gas leases on federal lands.
Under President Trump, the U.S. was energy independent, but now President Biden has drained our Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the lowest level since 1983.
Meanwhile, the Administration is increasing regulations on domestic energy production but easing regulations and incentivizing energy production in foreign authoritarian states like Venezuela.
In the words of President Biden, “Climate change is the existential threat to humanity,” but apparently, that only applies when the U.S. is the one producing the oil and gas.
President Trump opened 100 million acres of public land and water to exploration, but Biden has leased fewer acres of federal land for oil and gas drilling than any president since the end of World War II.
The results have directly impacted all Americans.
On the day Joe Biden took office, the average price for a gallon of gas was $2.39.
Today, the national average is $3.47, a 44 percent increase.
Due to record-high inflation, the average American family is paying $10,000 more in household costs under President Biden.
By leaving our resources in the ground and turning to others like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela for help, Democrats are choosing to increase energy costs and risk the national security of American families – all to appease far-left activists since they lack the moral clarity to do what is right for our citizens.
However, instead of focusing on lowering energy costs, this Administration thinks the most pressing energy issue is banning your gas stove.
While the Administration gaslights the American public by promising they weren’t “coming for anyone’s gas stove,” New York state has already taken the lead by announcing yesterday they will ban gas stoves in new buildings.
Americans shouldn’t have to choose between driving to work, paying their electric bills, or putting food on the table.
We must lower energy costs for Americans now.
I urge my colleagues to support this rule and reserve the balance of my time.