Written by Jonathan Hayes.
President Biden’s latest move to deplete U.S. oil reserves is an attempt to lower gas prices artificially, seemingly timed to sway voters ahead of the November elections. By tapping into these reserves, he aims to present a façade of economic stability while the foundation of our energy sector crumbles. The last refinery was built over three decades ago, and with the push to eliminate gas-powered cars, the transition to electric vehicles is far from feasible.
Cynical Draining of Emergency Reserves
According to the Washington Examiner, Biden intends to release more oil from the strategic reserves if gas prices surge this summer. An administration energy adviser mentioned, “gas prices are still too high” for many Americans, adding, “they want to cut them down a little bit further.”
Amos Hochstein, Special Presidential Coordinator for Global Infrastructure and Energy Security, elaborated during an interview with the Financial Times. “We will do everything we can to ensure that the market is supplied well enough to ensure as low a price as possible for American consumers. I think that we have enough in the SPR if necessary.”
This sentiment appears to be a smokescreen, with Hochstein implying that further depletion is on the table despite the reserves already being at their lowest in 40 years. The administration’s approach of draining emergency supplies while undermining fossil fuel infrastructure is alarming.
Granholm’s Secret CCP Meetings
Adding to the controversy, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm reportedly held secret discussions with Chinese officials just before announcing a significant release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) in 2021. According to internal Energy Department calendars obtained by Americans for Public Trust (APT) and shared with Fox News Digital, Granholm spoke with China National Energy Administration Chairman Zhang Jianhua, a senior member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The White House announced the release of 50 million barrels of oil from the SPR on November 23, 2021, following Granholm’s meetings with Jianhua on November 19 and 21. This timing raises questions about the extent of Chinese influence on U.S. energy policy. APT Executive Director Caitlin Sutherland expressed concerns about this influence, suggesting that Granholm has been more focused on promoting Chinese energy propaganda than on achieving genuine energy independence for America.
Our Take
The Biden administration’s decision to deplete emergency oil reserves while dismantling the fossil fuel industry is deeply troubling. By leveraging strategic reserves for short-term political gains, they are compromising long-term energy security. Moreover, the secretive meetings with Chinese officials cast doubt on the administration’s priorities and transparency. The American public deserves an energy policy that prioritizes independence and sustainability, not one that sacrifices future stability for present-day optics.