It’s preposterous. There’s no problem that’s getting addressed with this solution, this is a solution in search of some problem.
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Department of Energy and Related Commissions
majority of critical materials are mined or processed (or both) in Russia and China.* The processing of critical materials from fossil fuel waste products (primarily coal) has shown some potential and, in view of our vast domestic reserves of coal and abundant waste from coal mining and combustion, should be pursued.
New Policies
Eliminate FECM. The next Administration should work with Congress to eliminate all of DOE’s applied energy programs, including those in FECM (with the possible exception of those that are related to basic science for new energy technology). Taxpayer dollars should not be used to subsidize preferred businesses and energy resources, thereby distorting the market and undermining energy reliability.
Rename FECM (if it cannot be eliminated) under its original designation as the Office of Fossil Energy and with its original mission: increasing energy security and supply through fossil fuels.
Focus on energy security and supply. Absent elimination of FECM, Congress should direct FECM appropriations toward increasing energy security and supply. Congress has already directed these goals (including the reduction of costs).°”
Ensure that LNG export approvals are reviewed and processed ina timely manner. In particular:
1. Ensure that LNG export applications are reviewed and approved expeditiously.
2. Maintain the categorical exclusion from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)** for LNG exports that was established by the Trump Administration” or (if it is revoked by the Biden Administration) reinstate it.
3. Work with Congress to expand automatic approvals to include allies such as NATO as wellas nations that have free trade agreements with the US.
Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). The Biden Administration moved responsibility for the SPR to CESER. Regardless of where the responsibility lies, the new DESAS should ensure that the SPR is maintained for national strategic purposes and not misused for political gain.