Energy and the environment represent two of the biggest issues Congress will confront next year. Republicans are eager to increase domestic energy production, put the brakes on the Obama administration’s environmental rules and make sure cap-and-trade isn’t revived,
Politico reports. It cites 10 House GOP freshmen who will be vital to those efforts.
1. David McKinley, W.Va.
(pictured) “This seventh-generation West Virginian wants to use his seat on the Energy and Commerce Committee to protect his district’s lifeblood — the coal industry,”
2. Cory Gardner, Colo. “This newcomer with strong agricultural ties hopes to advance ‘hearty oversight’ of the EPA from his new perch on the Energy and Commerce Committee.”
3. Adam Kinzinger, Ill. “The U.S. Air Force veteran backed by the tea party and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin considers himself an environmentalist.”
4. Mike Pompeo, Kan. “The businessman and president of an oil and gas equipment company said his experience manufacturing oil and gas equipment helped prepare him for his new gig on Energy and Commerce.”
5. Morgan Griffith, Va. The attorney and Virginia state lawmaker campaigned heavily against cap and trade.
6. Charlie Bass, N.H. “Expect the Granite State Republican to be a more moderate voice on environmental issues than many of his GOP colleagues in the 112th Congress,” Politico says.
7. Jeff Landry, La. “Landry is eager to use his seat on the Natural Resources Committee to end what he calls the administration’s ‘de facto moratorium’ on oil and gas drilling in the Gulf and allow the permitting process to move more swiftly.”
8. Jeff Duncan, S.C. “The incoming Natural Resources Committee freshman wants to help boost the panel’s profile when it comes to energy issues. … ‘Let’s further explore the Outer Continental Shelf, he said.”
9. Bill Flores, Texas. “His top energy goal in the next Congress: increase access to domestic energy supplies.”
10. Steve Pearce, N.M. He wants to boost access to domestic oil and gas reserves.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.