WASHINGTON – A group of Republican senators, led by Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), have strongly criticized the Biden administration over its proposed $110 billion tax increase on traditional American energy producers. In a letter addressed to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, the senators expressed concern about the administration’s approach towards American energy production.
The letter, signed by 22 senators, highlights the challenges faced by working families and small businesses, particularly in light of high energy prices. It also underscores the global demand for reliable American energy resources, especially as allies seek to reduce their dependence on Russian energy amidst the ongoing energy crisis.
“Instead of increasing U.S. energy production, the administration is focused on increasing energy taxes,” the senators wrote. “The administration has once again doubled down on weaponizing the tax code against U.S. energy producers.”
The Biden administration’s Fiscal Year 2025 Revenue Proposals, outlined in the “Greenbook” by the Treasury Department, include $110 billion in new tax increases on oil, gas, and coal production. Additionally, the administration has proposed eliminating several existing provisions of the IRS code that currently benefit the American energy sector.
The senators expressed concern that such tax proposals, combined with regulatory burdens and mandates, would hinder American energy producers’ ability to make long-term investments. This, in turn, could jeopardize energy security both domestically and internationally.
Among the senators who signed the letter are Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Thune (R-S.D.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), among others.
The proposed tax hike has raised significant concerns among Republicans, who argue that it could undermine the competitiveness of American energy producers and threaten access to affordable and reliable energy for American families.
The Biden administration has yet to respond to the letter, but the debate over energy policy and taxation is likely to continue as lawmakers grapple with addressing energy security, economic concerns, and environmental priorities.
