Explanation of Bill H.RES. 940
Bill H.RES. 940
This bill expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its impact on global energy security. It calls for President Biden to take immediate action to provide allies of the United States with an affordable and secure supply of energy.
Background
In 2019, the United States achieved energy independence and became a net energy exporter for the first time in almost 70 years through the innovation and technology of domestic oil and gas companies. However, on his first day as President, President Biden took executive action to limit energy production in the United States, which led to the country becoming energy dependent again.
Keystone XL Pipeline
The bill mentions the Keystone XL pipeline, a project that would have imported crude oil from Canada into the United States. The pipeline's key permit was revoked by President Biden, and as a result, the United States started importing more crude oil from Russia instead.
Actions by President Biden
The bill criticizes President Biden for further limiting energy production in the United States by weaponizing the regulatory process and prohibiting financing for fossil fuel projects overseas. It also highlights the impact of these actions, such as rising energy prices, high inflation, and potential energy shortages.
Russian Invasion of Ukraine
The bill states that the Russian invasion of Ukraine will further weaken global energy security. It accuses Russia of intentionally worsening Europe's energy crisis by withholding natural gas exports. It also mentions President Biden's request to increase crude oil production from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and Russia.
Call to Action
The bill calls for President Biden to restore the energy security of the United States and provide allies with an affordable and secure supply of energy. It suggests various actions, including streamlining the permitting process for domestic energy infrastructure, approving additional export volumes for United States liquid natural gas projects, increasing energy exports to allies overseas, avoiding new regulations that limit domestic energy production, and opening up Federal lands and waters for energy production.