Prior to Thanksgiving, APGA responded to a request for information from the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis (HSCCC). Their hope, with our input and feedback from others, is to inform policy recommendations that they will offer to congressional leadership. In addition to industry stakeholders, Representatives were able to submit testimony. Congressman Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) took this opportunity, and he provided valuable statements, particularly on renewable natural gas (RNG). Below is an example of his positive input to the HSCCC:
“Congress is too hasty to pick winners and losers in our energy industry. I believe we need to take an all-of-the-above approach that uses all of resources. However, one type of energy is consistently forgotten about in conversations around Capitol Hill- Renewable Natural Gas.”
In our input, APGA highlighted the value of the direct use of natural gas, both to the environment and to the consumer. This benefit is seen in building energy efficiencies, as well as in the transportation sector. APGA encouraged the HSCCC to pursue balanced energy solutions, not an “all eggs in one basket” approach.
Also, while the HSCCC was collecting input, the Energy and Commerce Committee introduced the 100 percent Clean Economy Act of 2019. This legislation sets a nationwide goal of achieving a 100 percent clean energy economy by 2050, defined as net-zero climate pollution across all sectors of the United States’ economy. While there is no prohibition of natural gas, any fossil fuel use will have to have some technology to make it net zero. As with other climate-related bills, this is mostly messaging from the Democrats, but it seems to be perceived by stakeholders as more reasonable and practical than the Green New Deal. At this point, there are not many specifics in the bill, rather it is more giving direction to the agencies to develop polices achieving 100 percent clean economy by 2050. APGA will monitor and provide information to the Direct Use Task Group and Legislative Subcommittee as appropriate.
To see the final APGA submission,
click here.
For questions on this article, please contact Stuart Saulters of APGA staff by phone at 202-464-2742 or by email at
ssaulters@apga.org.