TO THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce applauds the Committee for scheduling today’s hearing to consider the nomination of Governor Jennifer Granholm to be Secretary of Energy. The Chamber looks forward to working with Gov. Granholm, her team at the Department of Energy, and others in the Biden Administration on several key energy policy priorities of the business community.
In particular, the Chamber looks forward to supporting the work of the Department to implement the Energy Act of 2020—the most significant climate and energy innovation legislation of at least the last decade. The business community stands strongly behind this law to spur the development and commercialization of technology platforms, such as advanced nuclear, energy storage, and carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration, which are critically important components of global climate solutions. While American businesses have already committed billions of dollars to these efforts, the Department can push them to the next level.
We also welcome President Biden’s move to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement. It is critical that the United States restores its leadership role in international efforts to address the climate challenge, and we look forward to working with the Department and others in the Administration and Congress as a revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) plan is prepared as part of this effort.
Moving forward, the Chamber believes a diverse set of energy resources are needed to address climate change and maintain America’s economic competitiveness. The shale revolution was enabled by market innovation that created jobs, lowered energy costs, and drove down greenhouse gas emissions. Shale development has also put the United States in a strong competitive position of energy security. In 2019, the United States became a net total energy exporter for the first time since 1952. It is important that the Department and energy sector work to build upon and expand this important achievement.
Thank you for considering Governor Granholm’s nomination. We look forward to working with her as Secretary of Energy and with the members of this Committee to pursue these important objectives.
Sincerely,
Neil L. Bradley
