Reimagining Washington’s Frustrating Pushmi-Pullyu Policy
Introduction
Friends and constituents often inquire about the state of affairs in Washington. I must confess, even though I’m doing my utmost, frustration often sets in.
Unveiling the Pushmi-Pullyu Policy
In Washington, we’ve witnessed the typical partisan gridlock that hampers progress. But what’s disheartening now is the Biden Administration’s puzzling and illogical decisions.
Their approach to policymaking reminds me of the iconic character, Doctor Dolittle’s Pushmi-Pullyu. This creature has two heads at opposite ends of its body, exemplifying the conflicting directions of the current administration.
The Push: Funding Unproven Technologies
At present, the Administration is relentlessly pushing billions of taxpayer dollars towards underdeveloped energy technologies. Sadly, this comes at the expense of the natural gas industry, which keeps costs low for families and bolsters our national security.
Questioning the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
Recently, as the chair of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I led a hearing where I interrogated a Senior Advisor from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding their new Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. This fund, authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act, allocates a staggering $27 billion for Green New Deal projects. Shockingly, there are reports that even the wealthy playground of Martha’s Vineyard may be deemed “low income” to receive EV charger subsidies.
According to the law, all the funds must be disbursed by September 30th, creating an immense challenge in the next eight months.
Maintaining Accountability
Although I didn’t support the Inflation Reduction Act and its policies, it’s crucial to establish proper protocols to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse of the $27 billion in taxpayer funds set to be distributed within a short timeframe.
During the hearing, I pressed our witness on the audit and debarment measures the EPA intends to employ to ensure compliance by grantees and sub-grantees.
I also emphasized the importance of both grantees and sub-grantees promptly addressing the Oversight Subcommittee.
The Pull: Restricting LNG Exports
On the other side of the spectrum, President Biden recently announced a ban on permits for new projects exporting U.S. Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) to countries without free trade agreements, including Europe.
Unfortunately, limiting LNG exports has negative repercussions both domestically and internationally.
Blocking new LNG projects not only undermines future natural gas infrastructure but also eliminates thousands of well-paying American jobs. A 2017 report by ICF International projected that by 2040, the U.S. LNG industry could support between 220,000 and 452,000 additional jobs, contributing $50 billion to $73 billion to the U.S. economy.
Furthermore, U.S. LNG exports play a crucial role in safeguarding our national security interests and those of other countries.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, U.S. companies ramped up LNG exports to ensure European countries weren’t solely dependent on Russia. This move aimed to curtail Russia’s revenue from LNG exports and reduce the risk of Russia destabilizing the region in retaliation against Europe’s support for Ukraine.
During a recent meeting with members of Bulgaria’s Parliament, they expressed their satisfaction with Bulgaria’s switch from Russian to U.S. LNG, highlighting the importance of having reliable U.S. energy sources.
The Dilemma: Pushing and Pulling
To summarize, the Administration is simultaneously pushing billions towards untested technologies while pulling back the benefits of proven technologies that benefit both domestic and international interests.
Moreover, the Administration’s push-pull approach extends to foreign affairs. While claiming support for Ukraine and advocating for LNG exports as a means to assist Ukraine and Europe, they are now halting new permits, which ultimately aids Russia and harms Ukraine.
A Call for Sensible Decision-Making
How can any of this be rationalized? It’s high time for the Biden Administration to cease these nonsensical decisions that push in one direction and pull in another.
About the Author
- Congressman Morgan Griffith
Read More of this Story at theroanokestar.com – 2024-02-03 15:44:07
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