Western South Dakota News

May 1, 2024

U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) recently addressed the Senate floor, expressing his concerns about the energy policies implemented by the Biden administration. Thune specifically highlighted the implications of President Biden's actions on conventional energy sources and the nation's electric grid.

Thune emphasized the challenges facing the nation's electric grid, stating, "Amid explosive demand, America is running out of power." He pointed out the strain on the grid due to increased demand and the shift away from conventional energy sources, warning that there may not be sufficient electricity to meet future needs.

The Senator raised issues with President Biden's push for widespread adoption of electric vehicles while also imposing regulations that could further weaken the grid. Thune noted that the administration's emissions rules for vehicles would place significant demands on the grid, which it may struggle to support. He also criticized regulations that could lead to the closure of coal-fired plants, impacting the reliability and cost of energy for consumers and businesses.

Furthermore, Thune criticized the administration's decision to ban oil and gas development in a significant portion of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. He highlighted the potential consequences of discouraging domestic production, stating that it could lead to a reliance on foreign countries for energy supply, including hostile nations.

In response to these concerns, Thune mentioned upcoming measures to challenge the administration's policies, including a vote on overturning emissions rules for vehicles and potential opposition to recent power-plant regulations. He called for bipartisan support to overturn these regulations, emphasizing the need for an all-of-the-above energy policy that considers a diverse range of energy resources.

Thune concluded his remarks by urging action to address the challenges posed by President Biden's energy decisions, stating, "Our grid simply cannot bear the burden of the president’s new policies."