Hearing of the Energy Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee - Opening Statement of Rep. Greg Pence, Hearing on the CLEAN Future Act: Driving Decarbonization of the Transportation Sector

Hearing

Today, U.S. Congressman Greg Pence (IN-06) participated in the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy hearing entitled, "The CLEAN Future Act: Driving Decarbonization of the Transportation Sector." Congressman Pence stressed how the Democrats' one-size-fits-all electric vehicle regulations in the CLEAN Future Act will negatively impact energy innovation in rural communities like those in Indiana's Sixth Congressional District.

Back in March, Congressman Pence introduced H.R. 1788, The Clean Energy Hydrogen Innovation Act, to expand the definition of hydrogen projects and advance innovation in clean and reliable hydrogen energy in Indiana and across the country.

Rep. Pence's full remarks and questions are transcribed as prepared for delivery below.

Thank you Chairman Rush and Ranking Member Upton for holding this hearing today. And all the witnesses for your participation.

Representing the Crossroads of America, I support innovation in the transportation industry.

At home, companies throughout Indiana's 6th District are leading the way in developing low emission engines, EV batteries, and alternative fuels like hydrogen.

But the future of our transportation industry should not be a one "size fits all" decision made by Washington.

We should seek a diverse slate of technologies and delivery options competing with one another to reduce the financial pressures on consumers.

Lighter weight fuels like hydrogen can generate enough power to haul heavier loads and should be a major part of the conversation.

Renewable diesel that lowers agricultural emissions is fully compatible with existing diesel assets and have a place too.

Electric vehicles make sense for cities and densely populated areas where commutes are predictable and charging stations can be more economical.

However, instead of bolstering innovation in transportation fuels, this bill imposes unrealistic deadline to establish electric vehicles as an only solution.

The provisions of the Clean FUTURE Act are moving ahead of our ability to get the products to consumers, as my peers have mentioned.

It will take more than a decade to construct the high voltage transmission lines needed to meet transportation demand peaks. Coal is achieving this in my district NOW.

On the generation side, the out of touch Clean Electricity Standards timeline set in this bill will only drive up costs for consumers.

In Indiana, efforts to implement wind and solar have already started to increase electricity prices for ratepayers.

In a mere 2 and a half years from today, the retail power sector will need to start overhauling assets to meet compliance.

Meanwhile, it can take up to 5 years to fully implement carbon capture equipment that is still not ready for commercialization.

I agree with my colleagues that EV's will play a critical role in our future transportation sector.

And, there are appropriate opportunities to incentivize manufacturing here in the U.S., which could bring back jobs lost to China and other countries.

But, the Clean FUTURE Act severely limits hydrocarbons and plastic production necessary for car manufacturers without a realistic alternative by harming the petroleum industry.

This bill makes no meaningful regulatory reforms to protect the supply and economic case for mining minerals and rare earths here in the U.S.

All the while, provisions of this bill will put all ratepayers, not just EV owners, on the hook to foot the bill for charging infrastructure unfairly costing my rural areas early in the process.

Mr. Siccardi [President, Metroplex Energy], you mentioned in your testimony that there is a missed opportunity for the committee to create incentives for private investment.

Particularly, you mentioned the FAIRNESS IN ELECTRICAL PRICING. I too am concerned that this ACT may put your industry at a competitive disadvantage.

You and I remember when rack was rack and Retailers were protected against predatory pricing by Retail/Refiners.

My question: How would you propose fairness in wholesale electric pricing to private retailers be managed to prevent the destruction of your constituents and all of the convenience of your industry?

Source