Washington, D.C. (April 21, 2021) – While House Democrats introduced the Green New Deal yesterday, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) continued leading to secure a cleaner energy future that unleashes innovation and protects America’s economy. During yesterday’s Energy Subcommittee hearing, Rodgers said the following:

“Making sure people have access to affordable, reliable energy must remain a priority in this Committee’s work on energy policy. We must recognize the tremendous value of our existing energy system, its central role for expanding economic growth and spreading opportunity.

“To continue to address energy poverty and climate risks, Republicans seek to build on these current achievements in energy and economic opportunity. 

“I’ve noted in several recent hearings the Department of Energy data on energy poverty, and how new regulatory regimes will raise electricity rates and stretch a family budget’s last dollar.

“Instead, we should foster the innovative energy technologies that will reduce emissions while using all our resources including, hydropower, natural gas, nuclear—as outlined in E&C Republicans’ Securing Cleaner American Energy agenda.

“Many of the Securing Cleaner American Energy bills are included in the Energy Innovation Agenda launched just this week by House Republicans.

“The Energy Innovation Agenda focuses on innovation, clean energy, and conservation policies for tackling climate change risks, building energy infrastructure, and developing new technologies.

“Because to win the future, we should be about building, not dismantling American opportunity.”

Click here to watch her full remarks. Click here to read the Securing Cleaner American Energy agenda.

Also this week, Rodgers helped introduce the Trillion Trees Act to solidify the United States as a global leader of the One Trillion Trees Initiative to conserve, restore, and grow 1 trillion trees worldwide. 

“To win the future we must embrace bold ideas and result-driven climate solutions,” Rodgers said. “The goal of planting a trillion trees is an ambitious one that has the ability to change the world by sequestering 205 gigatons of carbon while supporting jobs, healthy forests, and advancements in clean energy. Eastern Washington’s forests are part of the solution for delivering results for the next generation.”

Finally, House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy yesterday highlighted Cathy’s Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act as an example of how embracing an all-of-the-above energy strategy can help America win the future. Watch the video here:

This legislation is just one example of how Republicans are embracing real, free-market climate solutions that ensure America leads the way on clean, renewable, affordable, and reliable energy for generations to come. 

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