Rep. Van Epps Speaks in Support of Energy Dominance at Space, Science, and Technology Committee Markup
Rep. Van Epps Speaks in Support of Energy Dominance at Space, Science, and Technology Committee Markup
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Van Epps (TN-07) introduced an amendment in a Science, Space, and Technology full Committee markup and speaks in support of energy dominance.
Watch the Congressman’s remarks here or read them below.
“House Republicans have worked hard during this Congress to deliver on the President’s agenda to unleash American energy by removing regulatory barriers, streamlining licenses and permits for energy projects, and detaching from foreign dependence.
I rise in strong support of Congressman Harrigan’s bill to accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge geothermal projects to meet America’s energy needs.
Congressman Harrigan has championed numerous [pieces of] legislation across nuclear, natural gas, and now geothermal energy, helping to secure America’s leadership in energy dominance.
In directing the Energy Secretary to issue grants for innovative geothermal projects, this bill directs federal spending toward public-private partnerships that address America’s ever-growing energy demands.
Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment for purposes of discussion. My amendment directs the Secretary’s grant prioritization to consider commercial geothermal projects that would power high-load-factor facilities.
High-load-factor facilities, such as semiconductor fabrication plants, steel mills, and wastewater treatment facilities, all need consistent baseload power to sustain operations.
Rising energy demands are also hitting close to home in Tennessee's 7th district––home to a Google datacenter, a new critical minerals smelter, and Fort Campbell.
As investment in these large facilities grows in my district, and across the country, it is essential that taxpayer dollars are supporting renewable projects that are directed toward meeting a substantive need––which is what my amendment seeks to advance.”