WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) questioned Jennifer Granholm, President Biden’s nominee to be the next secretary of energy. Granholm testified before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.   

Barrasso pressed Granholm on a number of issues, including her views of American energy production and American energy dominance, her role in banning oil, gas, and coal leasing and permitting on federal lands, her previous remarks condemning fossil fuels, and her role in directing taxpayer dollars into failed energy companies. 

On Views of American Energy Production and American Energy Dominance:   

Barrasso: “Just to follow up on Senator Manchin’s first question, I have a series of short questions. If you could just please respond briefly. The United States is the world’s largest oil and natural gas producer – just a fact. On balance, is that a good thing or a bad thing?” 

Granholm: “It is a good thing, and I look forward to working with you to make sure that it’s clean and reduces GHG emissions.” 

Barrasso: “The United States has – if not the lowest – then among the lowest energy prices in the developed world. On balance, is that a good thing or a bad thing?” 

Granholm: “Good thing, of course.” 

Barrasso: “Jobs in the oil, natural gas, and coal sectors pay well above the national average. On balance, is that a good thing or a bad thing?” 

Granholm: “Good thing, of course.” 

Barrasso: “Largely because of hydraulic fracturing, U.S. emissions are at their lowest level since the early 1990s. On balance, is that a good thing or a bad thing?” 

Granholm: “Yes.” 

Barrasso: “U.S. oil exports, natural gas exports, coal exports to other countries, make us an influential supplier in the global energy markets. Good thing or a bad thing?” 

Granholm: “It’s important to be influential in the global energy market – yes.”

Click here for video of Sen. Barrasso questioning Granholm her views of American energy production and American energy dominance.

On Banning Oil, Gas, and Coal Leasing and Permitting on Federal Lands: 

“So last week, the Biden administration issued a 60-day ban on oil, gas, coal leasing and permitting on federal lands and waters. 

“Half of the state of Wyoming is federally owned. Alaska – it’s a lot higher percentage than that. 

“Did President Biden or his advisors seek your counsel on the ban? 

“Did you encourage him to issue this ban? 

“A long-term ban on oil and gas leasing would cost 62,000 jobs in New Mexico, 33,000 jobs in Wyoming, and 18,000 jobs in Colorado. 

“A long-term ban would cut revenues to New Mexico and Wyoming, by hundreds of millions of dollars, which these states use for K-12 public education and other essential services.  

“How is a long-term ban consistent with the president’s goal of unifying our country, putting Americans back to work, and helping our economies grow? How is that consistent?”

Click here for video of Sen. Barrasso questioning Granholm on banning oil, gas, and coal leasing and permitting on federal lands.

On Previous Remarks Condemning Fossil Fuels: 

“In 2016, you stated that the United States should be- ‘doing everything we possibly can to keep fossil fuel energy in the ground.’

“Do you stand by those remarks or comment?”

Click here for video of Sen. Barrasso questioning Granholm on fossil fuels.

On Directing Taxpayer Dollars into Failed Energy Companies: 

“On December 29, 2020, USA Today published an op-ed entitled, ‘Jennifer Granholm’s energy record in Michigan should frighten America.’ 

“The op-ed alleges that, as governor, you directed hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars to battery, solar, and other ‘green’ energy companies that failed to deliver on their job-creation promises. 

“One of the highlight examples was A123 Systems, an advanced battery company, which promised to create 3,000 jobs.

“In 2009, the Obama administration awarded A123 Systems a $249 million grant. 

“Your administration also provided more than $141 million in credits and subsidies. 

“In 2012, they filed for bankruptcy. 

“It was later bought by a Chinese company, restructured in federal bankruptcy court, and it stopped manufacturing in Michigan altogether.

“In short, American taxpayers spent close to $400 million to subsidize a technology transfer to the Chinese. 

“Based on this record, could you provide us something in terms of confidence that we should have if you are confirmed, that you will be able to invest U.S. taxpayer dollars wisely?”

Click here for video of Sen. Barrasso questioning Granholm on green energy boondoggles.