The Summerland Advocate-Messenger - Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community

This week, House Republicans took action to push back on proposals by President Biden’s Environmental Protection Agency effectively forcing consumers to drive only electric vehicles by 2032. The EPA’s out-of-touch policies are unworkable for the Third District because of our winter weather and expansive driving distances. Furthermore, China, which holds 78% of the world’s EV battery cell manufacturing capacity, recently implemented export controls on raw EV battery materials. In the interest of consumer freedom and minimizing dependence on China, the federal government should reverse course on heavy handed EV mandates.

EVs not only cost more than internal combustion vehicles, making them an impractical choice for many, a study from Consumer Reports found EVs have nearly 80% more problems than internal combustion vehicles. In light of this, EPA must stand down and allow Americans to make the best choice of vehicle to meet their needs. By passing the bipartisan Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act, the House has done its part to put a stop to Biden’s radical EV push. The CARS Act was supported by every member of Nebraska’s House delegation and I’m grateful Nebraska Sens. Fischer and Ricketts released a statement calling for Senate action on the CARS Act. Nebraska’s congressional delegation is united in our efforts to stop the Biden administration’s heavy-handed EV mandate.

The need to hold Biden’s EPA accountable also extends to its outdated choice of emissions model for renewable fuels, which currently does not reflect the full life-cycle impact of biofuels production. As the second-largest ethanol producing state, Nebraska is already a leader in providing America and the world with clean, renewable fuel. Earlier this year, I partnered with my fellow Bipartisan Biofuels Caucus co-chairs from South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin to introduce a bipartisan bill requiring EPA to adopt an up-to-date, scientifically accurate emissions model that fully reflects the positive contributions of American farmers and ranchers on emissions reductions, reinforcing the competitiveness of American agriculture exports.

In an increasingly competitive global energy market, the United States cannot afford to leave any opportunity to increase energy production on the table. As part of an all-of-the-above strategy for American energy dominance, the availability of nationwide year-round E15 is crucial. For nearly a decade, I have been pushing EPA to allow the uninterrupted sale of E15, first introducing legislation back in 2015. I am continuing to push for nationwide, year-round E15 and working closely with the Nebraska delegation to get this important measure over the finish line.

An all-of-the-above energy strategy is critical to our national security. Unleashing a strong, diverse energy portfolio ensures global competitiveness – as well as lower costs for American consumers. As an affordable and highly sustainable source of energy, hydroelectric power is a valuable component of an all-of-the-above strategy for American energy dominance. Hydropower’s development cost is primarily frontloaded.

A bill I introduced last week, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, incentivizes infrastructure investment, energy savings and stewardship of our natural resources. This bill has bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.

Our hardworking producers, industry leaders and natural resources give the United States a powerful advantage for energy production. It’s time the Biden administration ends its war on domestic energy and consumer choice and unleashes American prosperity.