Dayton Chronicle - Your Hometown News Source

Washington, D.C. (February 28, 2022)  — Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement after introducing the American Energy Independence from Russia Act. 

“America’s energy dominance is our strongest weapon against Putin. Today, we are introducing the American Energy Independence from Russia Act that would require President Biden to make an energy security plan within 30 days and take action to unleash America’s oil and natural gas production to offset Russian imports.

“The American Energy Independence from Russia Act will immediately approve the Keystone XL pipeline, unleash U.S. LNG exports to boost natural gas production, restart oil and gas leasing on federal lands and waters, and protect energy and mineral development from attacks by the Biden administration. 

“Putin and Russia’s economy are dependent upon dominating energy production and exporting to other nations. He gains power by doing so, and it’s what funds his military and aggressive behavior. To counter Putin, our bill flips the switch to promote American energy jobs, production, and exports. America must shut down Putin’s war chest and stop bloodshed in Ukraine, and this legislation is a vital step in achieving those goals.”