Biden admin officials must get approval before attending any ‘international energy engagements’: memo
According to information obtained by US Newzs Digital, the White House has implemented a policy that prohibits senior administration officials from participating in international energy engagements that promote carbon-intensive fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, and coal.
The directive, which originated from the White House National Security Council (NSC), was detailed in a September 15 memo issued by the Department of Energy (DOE). Energy Department Deputy Secretary David Turk authored the memo, which outlines the travel restrictions and directives. Officials must obtain approval from the NSC before participating in global energy-related events.
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Turk’s memo states, “This guidance sets forth an assumption that agencies and departments will prioritize international energy engagements that support clean energy projects.” It also provides a process for seeking exemptions to participate in carbon-intensive projects, but these exemptions must be justified by geostrategic imperatives or energy access and development goals.
In projects related to coal production, the U.S. The memo categorically ruled out government involvement. Carbon-intensive international energy engagements are defined as those directly linked to the production, transport, or consumption of carbon-intensive fuels that result in additional greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the memo, carbon-intensive fossil fuels, as defined, include coal, oil and natural gas.
In addition, the memo states that the guidance came into force in November 2021 and will apply to all international energy engagements. Deputy Secretary David Turk issued a separate memo in early April 2022 that initially outlined DOE’s approach to implementing the NSC guidelines. It suggests that energy engagements that promote carbon-intensive fuels may be exempted only if they serve national security interests or are necessary to ensure energy access in vulnerable regions.
Turk’s September memo further updated this guidance, stating that “departments and agencies must submit waiver justifications to the NSC and obtain NSC approval before proceeding with a covered engagement.”
When contacted, the Department of Energy referred inquiries to the National Security Council, which did not respond to multiple requests for comment from US Newzs Digital.
Daniel Turner, the founder and executive director of Power the Future, who reviewed the memo, expressed his concerns about the Biden Administration’s approach to the fossil fuels industry. He stated, “The Biden Administration cannot continue to treat the fossil fuels industry as an enemy. Millions of people are employed in this industry which powers our entire nation, our military, our national security, and allows Joe Biden to jet off every weekend to his beach house.”
Turner emphasized the negative consequences of what he perceives as a “war on American fossil fuels,” including economic repercussions and increased reliance on countries like China and OPEC for energy resources. He called for an end to what he described as “petty, hyperpartisan, childish games” before it became too late.
Since taking office, President Biden has pursued an ambitious climate agenda, with a focus on promoting green energy technologies like solar and wind while reducing domestic dependence on fossil fuels labeled as “carbon intensive” by the administration. Biden has set federal targets to ensure that 50% of U.S. car purchases are zero-emissions vehicles by 2030 and that the power sector becomes carbon-free by 2035.
However, it’s worth noting that the majority of vehicles on U.S. roads still have internal combustion engines (gasoline-powered), accounting for over 99% of all cars and about 99% of new car sales, according to J.D. Power. Additionally, approximately 60% of electricity generation in the U.S. is derived from fossil fuels, primarily natural gas, while wind and solar power contribute to around 17% of the total electricity production.
“Since the day I took office, we have been at the forefront of an ambitious climate agenda,” President Biden said at a United Nations conference last month. “We re-engaged with the Paris Agreement, held major climate summits, played a role in securing key agreements at COP26, and helped mobilize two-thirds of global GDP towards limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.”
As part of this climate agenda, President Biden and senior administration officials have actively participated in international energy conferences aimed at promoting the development of green energy technologies.
In contrast, the Biden administration has been absent from global fossil fuel summits, such as the World Gas Conference, attended by former Energy Secretary Rick Perry in the Trump administration. In addition, the administration chose not to extend invitations to oil and gas industry representatives for the White House Methane Summit in July.
The American Petroleum Institute (API) issued a statement on July 26 stressing that tackling a challenge of this magnitude requires not only will and rhetoric but also concrete action. API expressed disappointment that the sectors responsible for the most significant reductions in methane emissions, particularly the natural gas and oil industry, were not included in the negotiations.
API highlights that its member companies are actively investing in advanced technologies to detect and reduce emissions. As a result of industry efforts, the average methane emission intensity across all seven major manufacturing regions has decreased by approximately 66% between 2011 and 2021. Based on these achievements, the organization also emphasized ongoing cooperation with the administration.