WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) testified in front of the House Ways and Means Committee in support of existing clean energy tax credits. In her testimony, Congresswoman Kiggans highlighted the importance of putting America first by unleashing domestic energy production through an all-of-the-above energy approach.
“While we continue working to unleash American energy, we cannot turn a blind eye to the benefits these clean energy tax credits provide and how they are actively helping our Armed Forces, small businesses, and American families,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “The bottom line is that in order to increase American energy dominance and bolster our domestic energy security, we need to protect as much production and innovation as possible.”
“As someone who represents one of the most military-heavy districts in the country, I know that energy security is national security,” Congresswoman Kiggans continued. “We must put America first by prioritizing domestic energy production and protecting our existing clean energy tax credits.”
FULL TRANSCRIPT:
Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman and distinguished members of the committee. As we begin a new era of conservative leadership, it’s important for Republicans to use our voices in energy and climate conversations so we can find common sense, conservative solutions that will address our nation’s energy security needs.
One way to do that is by protecting the existing clean energy tax credits.
As Republicans, we support an all-of-the-above approach to energy development. While the Inflation Reduction Act contained countless harmful provisions that led to our conference wholly opposing its passage, some of the energy tax credits included in the bill have led to a significant increase in domestic manufacturing and energy production across the country, including in my district.
That’s why I joined 17 of my Republican colleagues this past August in sending a letter to Speaker Johnson in support of protecting the IRA’s clean energy tax credits.
They have spurred innovation, driven billions of dollars in investment, and created good jobs in many parts of the country – including in my district and many districts represented by members of our Republican conference.
In Virginia alone, over $445 million in IRA-supported private investments have been announced, supporting over 250 jobs. That’s not to mention a new report showing that the combination of federal programs, clean energy tax credits, and clean energy investment will add $37 billion to the Commonwealth’s economy by 2035.
It’s important to note that the IRA’s clean energy tax credits have been traditionally bipartisan, with many being in existence in some form or fashion since the George W. Bush Administration, and others gaining bipartisan support when they were introduced as individual legislative proposals.
I have seen the benefits of clean energy firsthand again in my district through investments in offshore wind, which has not only brought significant economic gains and job growth but is benefiting our United States Navy bases.
Upgrading and improving our military bases continues to be a top priority of mine as a Navy veteran, and offshore wind has allowed us to harness the power of America’s renewable energy to support the countless military installations along the Atlantic coast.
As someone who represents one of the most military-heavy districts in the country, I know that energy security is national security.
The public-private partnership with the wind turbine industry in my district will allow upgrades to a very outdated power grid at our Navy’s East Coast Master Jet Base, Naval Air Station Oceana.
While we continue working to unleash American energy, we cannot turn a blind eye to the benefits these clean energy tax credits provide and how they are actively helping our Armed Forces, small businesses, and American families.
The bottom line is that in order to increase American energy dominance and bolster our domestic energy security, we need to protect as much production and innovation as possible. These clean energy tax credits have helped to accomplish that goal.
At a time when energy demands continue to skyrocket, the repeal of these credits would have a significant negative impact on the United States’ ability to counter growing threats from the Chinese Communist Party’s activity in the energy sector.
We need to be pragmatic in our approach to unleashing American energy independence. We must put America first by prioritizing domestic energy production and protecting our existing clean energy tax credits. I hope I can count on your support to do just that.
Thank you, and I yield back.
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