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Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH-5), Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright discussed strengthening American energy policy during an Energy Subcommittee hearing. Congressman Latta emphasized the urgent need to unleash domestic energy production and secure U.S. energy dominance. 

To watch Congressman Latta's opening statement, click here.

Below, please find excerpts from Latta's conversation with Secretary Wright:

Congressman Latta: "Do we need to have more energy or less energy produced in this country?"

Secretary Wright: "Unquestionably more energy."

Congressman Latta: "You know, as, we look at this, we're looking at a widening gap between our projected reshoring of domestic manufacturing, the amount of reliable energy entering the system to meet that demand. As you know, record levels of base load generation are prematurely retiring. How is the department viewing this existential threat, and what do you see as a potential consequences for not meeting the moment?"

Secretary Wright: "If we're to look at recent data, growth in electricity production and energy more broadly in China has been rapid. And in the United States, particularly in the electricity sector, we saw almost no growth in American electricity production during the four years of the last administration. Yet with almost no growth in production, we saw across the country an average 25 increase in electricity prices. This is clearly a pathway to losing the AI arms race. If we can't grow our electricity production and keep prices in check, America's in trouble. Our administration is entirely focused on unleashing private capital, getting the government out of the way to grow and expand our supply of reliable firm electricity. That's what AI needs, 24/7/365 electricity. But, of course, that's what the American electricity grid needs as well."

Watch Congressman Latta's questions here.