Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas cautioned a House Committee about cutting natural gas production in the name of what he labeled as “misguided” climate change solutions.
His warning came at a recent House Committee on Science, Space and Technology hearing entitled “Now or Never: The Urgent Need for Ambitious Climate Action.”
“Now, more than ever, we can appreciate the value of American energy independence,” Lucas said. “We can’t afford to shut off valuable energy sources in a misguided attempt to reduce emissions. Instead, we need to focus on the science and technologies of tomorrow.”
While Lucas applauded the progress made in cutting carbon emissions through investments in research and innovation, he also emphasized the need for technological solutions to climate change instead of mandates.
“We can’t afford to shut off valuable energy sources in a misguided attempt to reduce emissions,” said the congressman, adding, “If we implement reckless mandates to cut emissions, we’ll drive up prices for American businesses and make it even more difficult for us to compete with China on the global stage.”
“When we take unrealistic approaches to addressing climate change, what we do is empower our adversaries. Punitive measures that make fossil fuel production too expensive or simply prohibited give Russia a corner on the market for natural gas,” Rep. Lucas told the hearing.
“That money then funds Putin’s war against free people in Ukraine. And if we implement reckless mandates to cut emissions, we’ll drive up prices for American businesses and make it even more difficult for us to compete with China on the global stage.”