U.S. Democratic lawmakers at the U.N. climate summit in Egypt expressed concern on Nov. 10 that Republican gains in the midterm Congressional elections could spell trouble for America’s efforts to fight climate change.
The administration of Democrat U.S. President Joe Biden is hoping the United States, the world’s second-biggest greenhouse-gas emitter behind China, can be a world leader in slashing emissions but has faced political opposition from Republicans who argue his environmental policies are unwarranted.
Kathy Castor, the Chair of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, told an audience at the COP27 summit in Sharm el-Sheikh on Nov. 10 that if Republicans take control of the Congress it could reduce the chances for additional legislative action to fight global warming.
“It’s quite likely if for some reason the GOP ekes out control of the House of Representatives, they will nix the Climate Committee,” she said during a panel discussion. “They have not really been partners in tackling the climate crisis.”
Speaking on the same panel, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized lawmakers who disagree global warming is a real problem, and said Democrats and Republicans would have to work together to combat climate change.
“We have to get over that,” Pelosi said of lawmakers who have claimed climate change is a hoax. “I place my confidence in their children who hopefully will teach their parents that this is urgent, long overdue. But again, how we will address it is to get working together,” she said.
Pelosi also pointed out that Biden had already succeeded in signing the Inflation Reduction Act into law, a sweeping bill that included billions of dollars in subsidies for solar and wind power and electric vehicles.
Republicans edged closer on Nov. 10 to securing a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives two days after Democrats staved off an anticipated "red wave" of Republican gains in the Nov. 8 midterm elections.
A delegation of Republican lawmakers arrived on Nov. 10 in Sharm El-Sheikh separately from the Democrats and will hold an event on Nov. 11.
Castor told Reuters after the panel that the Democratic House and Senate will work to push through an appropriations bill in the lame duck session that could release aid pledged by the Biden administration to help poor countries adapt to climate change. Last year, Biden pledged to double funds to help developing nations adapt to the effects of climate change by 2024 to $11.4 billion per year.
“We’re going to be pushing for it,” she said.
Recommended Reading
TPH: Lower 48 to Shed Rigs Through 3Q Before Gas Plays Rebound
2024-03-13 - TPH&Co. analysis shows the Permian Basin will lose rigs near term, but as activity in gassy plays ticks up later this year, the Permian may be headed towards muted activity into 2025.
For Sale, Again: Oily Northern Midland’s HighPeak Energy
2024-03-08 - The E&P is looking to hitch a ride on heated, renewed Permian Basin M&A.
E&P Highlights: Feb. 26, 2024
2024-02-26 - Here’s a roundup of the latest E&P headlines, including interest in some projects changing hands and new contract awards.
Gibson, SOGDC to Develop Oil, Gas Facilities at Industrial Park in Malaysia
2024-02-14 - Sabah Oil & Gas Development Corp. says its collaboration with Gibson Shipbrokers will unlock energy availability for domestic and international markets.
E&P Highlights: Feb. 16, 2024
2024-02-19 - From the mobile offshore production unit arriving at the Nong Yao Field offshore Thailand to approval for the Castorone vessel to resume operations, below is a compilation of the latest headlines in the E&P space.