Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart | Official U.S. House headshot
Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart and Michael McCaul expressed their concerns in an op-ed published in the New York Post about the Biden administration's energy plan and its implications for Africa's development. They argue that the administration's restrictive policies hinder African countries' efforts to lift themselves out of poverty and dependence.
The op-ed highlights the importance of energy security for industrialization, job creation, healthcare, and education. The authors point out that no country has achieved prosperity without access to affordable and abundant energy. They also mention the successful bipartisan Power Africa program initiated by Congress in 2015, which aimed to promote energy development in Africa through a balanced approach of utilizing both conventional and renewable sources.
However, the representatives criticize the Biden administration for undermining Power Africa by imposing onerous restrictions and only allowing "green-energy projects" to receive US funding and support. They argue that this policy is akin to "energy colonialism" and a waste of money and opportunities.
The op-ed also criticizes President Biden's climate envoy, John Kerry, for flying around the world in jet planes while leaving African countries to solve their energy crises with ineffective and counterproductive solutions. The authors point out that Kerry and other administration officials pledged billions of taxpayer money to the Green Climate Fund, which they describe as a "slush fund" with no real oversight that has funded projects in China.
The representatives argue that investing billions in perceived "green" projects will not address the true drivers of pollution, such as China, or empower the African continent. They accuse the administration of exploiting Africa's dire needs for investments to appease special interests and advance its partisan agenda. They deem it unfair to hold still-developing African countries to a standard that even the most advanced economies cannot achieve.
The op-ed also highlights the negligible impact of Africa's current emissions on a global scale compared to China's significantly higher emissions. The authors criticize the Biden administration for not confronting China, who has shown eagerness to finance conventional energy development, while hindering Africa's advancement.
The representatives conclude by calling for a return to a balanced approach that allows African countries to use all available tools to promote energy security and development. They highlight a provision in the Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs appropriations bill for fiscal year 2024 that aims to rectify the situation.
In summary, Representatives Díaz-Balart and McCaul argue that the Biden administration's energy plan imposes burdensome restrictions on African countries and fails to address the true drivers of pollution. They believe that a balanced approach that promotes energy security and development is crucial for Africa's advancement and urge a reevaluation of current policies.
Click this link to access more information: https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-rep-diaz-balart-and-rep-mccaul-new-york-post-bidens-energy-plan
Alerts Sign-up