House committee OKs oversight plan over climate objections

Democrats tried to amend the House Natural Resources Republicans' oversight agenda for the next two years.

The House Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday adopted its oversight plan, which Democrats decried as an "industry wish list" that ignores the climate crisis.

The plan details Republican concerns about President Joe Biden's actions on oil and gas drilling, critical minerals, renewable energy, grazing, tribes, endangered species, spending, and other matters.

Chair Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) said Congress has "constitutional responsibilities" to conduct "essential oversight of federal agencies."

But Democrats argued the plan largely left out the most pressing issue affecting everyone: climate change.

The plan mentions climate when referring to natural solutions like planting trees, but does not offer actions Democrats deem vital.

"This is the best you can do?” asked Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.). He said "planting trees is well and good," but asserted that’s not nearly enough.

"We need to keep our fossil fuel reserves in the ground,” Huffman said. “We need to aggressively pursue renewable energy sources" on land and sea.

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By:  Kelsey Brugger
Source: E&E Daily

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