09/04/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/04/2026 11:03
Washington, DC. - Representative Dave Min (CA-47), a member of the House Oversight Committee and its Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs, slammed Republicans for using a hearing titled "No Flame, More Pain: How State and Local Bans on Natural Gas Increase Costs" to defend aging gas infrastructure and attack cheaper, cleaner energy alternatives.
During the hearing, Representative Min pushed back on arguments about the intermittency of renewable energy, pointing to innovations in battery storage technology. Energy expert Dr. Pete Wyckoff reinforced Representative Min's argument noting that battery storage is becoming "cheaper and cheaper".
Republicans also invoked China's growing energy influence while arguing for greater investment in fossil fuels. Representative Min called out the flagrant contradiction, noting that over 80% of China's new energy capacity last year came from renewable sources and warning that China is gaining global influence by exporting cheaper renewable energy and battery technology around the world.
"As we move forward, it is clear that renewable energy is the future. It is going to be cheaper and in many places it is already cheaper," said Rep Min. "And doubling down on aging oil and gas infrastructure is like doubling down on the horse and buggy or wood burning stoves."
Rep. Min also highlighted the Trump Administration's war on clean energy, including an agreement to reimburse TotalEnergies for relinquishing offshore wind leases after the company invests roughly $1 billion in U.S. oil and gas production. While China races to dominate the global clean energy sector, Rep. Min warned that Republican policies are leaving the United States further behind.
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