Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivered a scathing critique of the Biden administration's energy and environment policies in a speech on the Senate floor. Senator Capito highlighted the damage caused by President Biden's attacks on energy producers and criticized the administration's unrealistic proposals.

One of the main points of Senator Capito's speech was the departure of John Kerry, the "climate czar," from his post. She saw this as an opportunity to examine the Biden administration's record on energy and the environment. According to Senator Capito, the administration has consistently put the American people last with its energy regulations and climate mandates.

She specifically criticized Mr. Kerry's recent comments about coal power plants. "Let's start with Mr. Kerry's recent comments that 'there shouldn't be any more coal power plants permitted anywhere in the world,' followed by him signing an international pledge to do just that," Senator Capito said. She pointed out that many states, including West Virginia, rely heavily on coal-fired plants for electricity and that shutting them down would have severe consequences.

Senator Capito also raised concerns about the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its policies. She criticized the EPA's Clean Power Plan 2.0, which aims to force the retirement of coal and gas-fired power plants. She argued that this policy would harm the electric grid, lead to job losses, and disrupt communities.

Furthermore, Senator Capito highlighted the irony of the EPA pushing for a rapid transition to electric vehicles while ignoring the reliability concerns and increased electricity demand associated with this transition. She also criticized the EPA's methane fee on energy companies and its "Good Neighbor" air regulation, which she argued takes away states' rights to regulate emissions.

Senator Capito criticized the Biden administration's approach to infrastructure as well. She accused the White House of proposing burdensome permitting rules and regulations that were not agreed upon by Congress. She also expressed concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the White House's use of metrics related to greenhouse gases.

In conclusion, Senator Capito called for a better approach to energy and environmental policies. She advocated for supporting natural gas production, expanding nuclear energy, and promoting carbon capture, use, and storage. She emphasized the need for realistic solutions that can boost American energy, protect the environment, and create jobs.

It is clear from Senator Capito's speech that she believes the Biden administration's energy and environment policies are misguided and detrimental to the American people. She called for a reversal of these policies and a focus on realistic solutions that can benefit both the nation and the environment.