Robert Latta

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3632, the Power Plant Reliability Act, sponsored by my colleague from Virginia's Ninth Congressional District (Mr. Griffith). This legislation improves existing tools under the Federal Power Act to keep the lights on for households and ensures more effective long- term planning for our generation resources. In the event that a power plant closure creates a shortage of available electricity, H.R. 3632 equips States and grid operators with an opportunity to seek relief from FERC until replacement capacity comes online. Mr. Speaker, we are in the midst of a reliability and affordability crisis because of the Biden-Harris administration and blue States who took a hatchet to our baseload capacity resources, while making it impossible to build the necessary energy infrastructure to replace it. These policies were designed to achieve environmental goals that were unrelated to reliability, affordability, or stability of the bulk-power system. Nothing can be more destructive to our communities than a blackout. When a State seeks to close a power plant without identifying a sufficient replacement, there is little recourse for effective households in neighboring States that need the power. The Power Plant Reliability Act solves this by providing a bridge solution to maintain generating resources until sufficient capacity can come online to fill the gap. The numbers are staggering. Over the last decade, 115 gigawatts of power are expected to go offline, while 150 gigawatts of demand are expected to come online. The Department of Energy finds that the current pace of retirements and generation growth could increase the risk of outages over 100 times in just 4 short years. Making matters worse, our adversaries are close on our heels to securing leadership positions in the next-generation economy. There is little time to waste. Importantly, significant investment is flowing in growing our base of dispatchable resources. The Trump administration is working tirelessly to reverse unnecessary barriers to generation development and fuel innovation and baseload power like advanced nuclear. Yet, before these policies can take root, we must ensure that States and grid operators are equipped with the necessary tools to maintain reliability of the bulk-power system. This legislation is another step to securing the grid and improving long-term planning needed to lead the next-generation economy. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3632. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in 2024, the FERC Commissioner, Mark Christie, testified before us in the Energy and Commerce Committee. He was referring to the severe impact that the Biden administration EPA's power plant rule, commonly known as the Clean Power Plan 2.0, was having. He stated this: ``If the EPA's new power plant rule survives court challenge, it will force the retirements of nearly all remaining coal generation plants and will prevent the construction of vitally needed new combined-cycle baseload . . . generation.'' This loss of this dispatchable generation resources will be, in his words, ``catastrophic''--``catastrophic.'' Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter), from the First District.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Balderson), from the 12th District.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Fry).

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Evans).

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Dakota (Mrs. Fedorchak).

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 15 seconds to the gentlewoman from North Dakota.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Palmer), who represents Alabama's Sixth District.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, this chart tells it all. We talked about it the other day. Mr. Speaker, look at the top 12 States that are having problems. California is at the top. Then look at the New England States: Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Their Governors earlier this year stated that their citizens are paying 40 percent more for fuel this winter. Why is that? Well, if they don't allow pipelines, they don't allow energy to get into their area, and they rely on somebody else to do it for them, then it is going to happen. If the people want to know who is causing the prices to go up, then they had better go home and talk to their State's legislators and their Governors and find out why, because these numbers don't lie. They do not lie. We are going to take off 115 gigawatts of generation alone in this country when we are supposed to be putting on 155 gigawatts of power. Earlier this year, the RTOs and the ISOs, those are the folks who manage the wholesale electricity markets and transmission in this country, all testified for us in committee and said this: We need more power not less, more power not less. They also said this: And we can't take off any generation. If you want to see prices go up, just keep taking that generation offline because that is what is going to happen. I thank the gentleman from Virginia's Ninth Congressional District for sponsoring this important legislation. This bill provides a critical tool for States and grid operators to secure the grid until new generation comes online and ensures long-term effective planning by improving our understanding of our available generation resources. There is nothing more expensive than a blackout, and this bill will ensure processes are in place to keep the lights--the lights--on for all Americans and to make their utility bills more affordable. H.R. 3632 has broad support from America's Power, the National Hydropower Association, Americans for Prosperity, and the National Mining Association. Democrats like to talk about affordability, but electricity prices went up over 25 percent--25 percent--during the Biden administration. House Republicans are taking action with legislation like H.R. 3632, to help lower Americans' utility bills. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Power Reliability Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 936, I call up the bill (H.R. 3668) to promote interagency coordination for reviewing certain authorizations under section 3 of the Natural Gas Act, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3668.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, our Nation is at the crossroads when it comes to powering our future. This pivotal moment will shape our economic trajectory, national security, and global competitiveness. After years of modest growth in electricity consumption, the next 5 years could see upwards of 128 gigawatts of new demand. The vast majority of this demand growth will require new, baseload, dispatchable power, and natural gas will fill that gap. Unfortunately, the build-out of interstate natural gas pipeline infrastructure has faced significant challenges. Approvals are often delayed due to a lack of coordination, pure inaction, or outright obstruction by States and relevant Federal agencies. Section 401 of the Clean Water Act has turned into a procedural chokepoint with varying application and drawn-out State reviews, undermining otherwise federally authorized projects. This has resulted in energy shortages in certain areas of the country, exposing consumers to high prices and our grid to increased vulnerability. In fact, a recent study estimated that pipeline blockades have already driven average natural gas prices up by 160 percent in major demand centers. This doesn't have to be the case. Activist States like New York have used their delegated authority under section 401 to repeatedly kill interstate natural gas pipeline projects. These Clean Water Act denials haven't been because of legitimate water quality impact concern. The basis of these blockades has been in the name of radical climate agendas, ignoring what is best for consumers, grid reliability, and economic growth. During the 2013 to 2021 time period, several pipeline projects were canceled, leading to a pipeline capacity growth of only 26 percent. Meanwhile, natural gas demand increased by 49 percent. This trend will be compounded if there are not statutory reforms. H.R. 3668 would strengthen the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's, FERC, lead agency role and further define the process for participating agencies. Additionally, under this legislation, instead of having to obtain a section 401 certification from a State through its EPA-delegated authority, FERC would incorporate this water quality review into its existing National Environmental Policy Act, NEPA, review, including any terms or conditions proposed by States that are required for compliance with the underlying statute. Opponents argue that this legislation will gut the Clean Water Act. However, this legislation doesn't even amend the Clean Water Act. It maintains statutory protections of legitimate water quality concerns. FERC already analyzes water quality impacts as part of the NEPA process, imposes mitigation measures as needed, and is equipped to respond to raised concerns as part of the review process. Again, nothing in this legislation alters the environmental review of these projects. Expanding natural gas pipeline capacity is estimated to save Americans $76 billion by 2040. Without statutory reforms to section 401 of the Clean Water Act, these savings will not be realized, our Nation will not be able to compete with China in the intelligence race, and our electric grid will experience serious vulnerabilities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hudson).

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, just to point out some things here, when you are talking about changes in electricity prices over the last 20 years, it is important to look at this chart. This is from the EIA. If you look at the top 12--and as the gentleman from North Carolina pointed out about his legislation, especially in New England, the States up there, look at what has happened here. Look at California, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island in the top six. We can see these prices going up. Round up the top 12, and Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, and New Jersey are also in there. What is happening is why we have to have this legislation. When States are pushing back on trying to get the pipelines in and pushing for just one type of energy source, it is hurting their people. We know that because, earlier this year, there was an article that came out that the New England Governors were all complaining that their citizens were going to pay 40 percent more for utility prices this fall. Why is that? It is right here. This is why this legislation is needed. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Weber), the vice chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen).

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Balderson).

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Dakota (Mrs. Fedorchak), who is the at-large Representative.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, natural gas is the most affordable and reliable energy solution. Also, if it comes from the United States, then it is clean. An expanded pipeline capacity is critical to lowering costs for American families and businesses. We have had hearings on pipeline safety this past summer. For too long, States have used section 401 authority as a one-State veto of multistate projects with national significance. Again, the facts speak for themselves. Mr. Speaker, if you want to look at the top 12, it is New England, New Jersey, and New York. If you want, Mr. Speaker, ask these people who live there, or ask their Governors, their State legislators, or their regulators why their prices are so high. It is simple. It is because, again, these States have used that veto. As global natural gas demand is projected to continue to grow for decades to come, investment in pipeline projects will be of utmost importance for keeping prices low for our Nation and to keep it secure. In the 1970s, when we had an oil embargo across this country when the Arabs cut us off, we were told we had no energy in this country. What has happened? If you put the right laws in place and have the regulations that follow and turn the entrepreneurs and innovators loose in this country, we are number one in the world--number one in the world. We produce more natural gas. It is the cleanest. This is what we are looking at. We had a hearing early this year with our RTOs and ISOs that regulate across the energy grid out there. They told us all the same thing. We have to produce more energy in this country, not less, and at the same time, we better not be taking any generation offline. Right now, we are scheduled to take 115 gigawatts of power offline in this country. Our adversaries in Communist China are doing what? They are outproducing us. We are projected to need 170 gigawatts on top of that. It is time that people wake up. We have an all-of-the-above policy in this country. Republicans brought it forth in 2008. In 2008, we said that we are not going to pick the winners and losers, and that is important. When the Federal Government wants to go out there and pick the winners and losers, this country is going to lose. H.R. 3668 is the solution. I thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hudson) for his leadership, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding high school cheer team in Ohio's 5th Congressional District. The young student athletes of the St. Paul High School cheer team have represented their school ably on their way to achieving the Ohio High School Cheerleading and Dance Coaches Association Division V Best in the State title. In their effort to surpass all other teams in the division, St. Paul overcame the challenges posed by intense competition. The members of this very special team have shown that their sport requires an individual effort for a team result. Their hard work and dedication, both on and off the floor, in achieving this accomplishment, is truly outstanding. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to the St. Paul cheer team. On behalf of the people of the 5th District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding high school football team in Ohio's 5th Congressional District. The young men of the Liberty Center High School football team have represented their school ably on their way to achieving the Division V State Football Title. In their effort to surpass all other teams in the Division V State Football Playoffs, the Liberty Center Tigers overcame the challenges posed by intense competition. In pursuing the State Championship, the Liberty Center Tigers defeated the Wheelersburg Pirates to win the state football championship. The members of this very special team have shown that their sport requires an individual effort for a team result. Their hard work and dedication, both on and off the field in achieving this accomplishment, is truly outstanding. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to the Liberty Center High School football team. On behalf of the people of the 5th District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding high school football team in Ohio's 5th Congressional District. The young men of the St. Henry High School football team have represented their school ably on their way to achieving the Division VII State Football Title. In their effort to surpass all other teams in the Division VII State Football Playoffs, the St. Henry Redskins overcame the challenges posed by intense competition. In pursuing the State Championship, the St. Henry Redskins defeated the Hillsdale Falcons to win the state football championship. The members of this very special team have shown that their sport requires an individual effort for a team result. Their hard work and dedication, both on and off the field, in achieving this accomplishment, is truly outstanding. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to the St. Henry High School football team. On behalf of the people of the 5th District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding high school soccer team in Ohio's 5th Congressional District. The young men of the Avon High School boys soccer team have represented their school ably on their way to achieving the Division II State Boys Soccer Title. In their effort to surpass all other teams in the Division II State Soccer Playoffs, the Avon Eagles overcame the challenges posed by intense competition. In pursuing the State Championship, the Avon Eagles defeated the Kings Mills Knights to win their first state soccer championship. The members of this very special team have shown that their sport requires an individual effort for a team result. Their hard work and dedication, both on and off the field, in achieving this accomplishment, is truly outstanding. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to the Avon High School boys soccer team. On behalf of the people of the 5th District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding high school volleyball team in Ohio's 5th Congressional District. The young women of the Avon High School girls volleyball team have represented their school ably on their way to achieving the Division II State Girls Volleyball Title. In their effort to surpass all other teams in the Division II State Volleyball Playoffs, the Avon Eagles overcame the challenges posed by intense competition. In pursuing the State Championship, the Avon Eagles defeated the Anthony Wayne Generals to win the state volleyball championship. The members of this very special team have shown that their sport requires an individual effort for a team result. Their hard work and dedication, both on and off the field, in achieving this accomplishment, is truly outstanding. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to the Avon High School girls volleyball team. On behalf of the people of the 5th District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding high school volleyball team in Ohio's 5th Congressional District. The young women of the Tiffin Calvert Catholic High School girls volleyball team have represented their school ably on their way to achieving the Division VII State Girls Volleyball Title. In their effort to surpass all other teams in the Division VII State Volleyball Playoffs, the Calvert Senecas overcame the challenges posed by intense competition. In pursuing the State Championship, Tiffin Calvert defeated the Monroeville Eagles to win the state volleyball championship. The members of this very special team have shown that their sport requires an individual effort for a team result. Their hard work and dedication, both on and off the field, in achieving this accomplishment, is truly outstanding. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to the Tiffin Calvert Catholic High School girls volleyball team. On behalf of the people of the 5th District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding high school water polo team in Ohio's 5th Congressional District. The young women of the Napoleon High School junior varsity girls water polo team have represented their school ably on their way to achieving the JV State Girls Water Polo Title. In their effort to surpass all other teams, the Lady Wildcats overcame the challenges posed by intense competition. In pursuing the State Championship, the Lady Wildcats defeated Upper Arlington to win the state championship. The members of this very special team have shown that their sport requires an individual effort for a team result. Their hard work and dedication, both in and out of the pool, in achieving this accomplishment, is truly outstanding. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to the Napoleon High School junior varsity girls water polo team. On behalf of the people of the 5th District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.