The Facts
On Thursday, the Republican-majority US House voted 225-204 to pass a wide range of energy proposals that would boost oil and gas production, increase the mining of critical minerals, and change the National Environmental Policy Act's project approval process.
Republicans hope the legislation, known as the Lower Energy Costs Act, will reduce energy costs for Americans by increasing energy independence.
The Spin
Republican narrative
This bill is part of Republicans’ fight against Biden’s senseless permitting red tape. The US needs to be less reliant on other countries for energy, and this legislation would go a long way in lowering costs for Americans. Even some clean-energy trade groups agree the permitting reform in the bill will benefit their industry.
Democratic narrative
This legislation is nothing but a free-for-all for big oil and the rest of the fossil fuel industry. If Republicans really want to provide Americans with better energy policies, they should negotiate with Democrats on a policy that benefits citizens while addressing climate change.
