In a bold move that underscores the concerns of conservative leaders, a coalition of House Republicans, led by the respected House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, is shining a spotlight on Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. What’s triggering their concern? Recently disclosed private discussions between Granholm and China National Energy Administration Chairman Zhang Jianhua, a prominent member of the Chinese Communist Party.
Internal Department of Energy (DOE) calendars, made available through the efforts of Americans for Public Trust and exclusively shared with Fox News Digital, reveal that Granholm held private calls with Jianhua on November 19 and November 21, 2021. A mere two days later, on November 23, 2021, the White House announced a significant release of 50 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).
The coalition of House Republicans is raising valid questions about these private conversations. They’re concerned that these interactions with a high-ranking member of the Chinese Communist Party may have influenced the Biden administration’s decision to release emergency oil stocks from the SPR. This, in turn, raises important questions about the administration’s approach to energy policy and the potential sway of international dynamics on our strategic energy resources.
The Republicans’ concerns are not without merit. Energy security is a complex issue, and the mishandling of the SPR’s resources is an ongoing worry. This mishandling could leave the United States vulnerable to energy supply disruptions, while simultaneously empowering adversarial nations to use energy as a geopolitical weapon.
Since November 2021, the Biden administration has released around 260 million barrels of oil from the SPR to counteract rising fuel prices. While presented as a solution for American consumers, this move has reduced our critical emergency stockpile of crude oil, potentially compromising our ability to navigate energy-related crises.
Our nation’s energy policy must prioritize the welfare and security of our citizens over any international influences. The concerns expressed by the House Republicans are a reminder of the importance of energy security in maintaining our national stability. Regardless of political affiliation, it is crucial that we keep a watchful eye on our leaders’ actions and ensure that our energy security remains paramount. The challenges we face demand nothing less.
Source Fox News
