Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm Faces Backlash for Private Meetings with Chinese Official

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm is under scrutiny after it was revealed that she had held two private meetings with Zhang Jianhua, the Chairman of China National Energy Administration and a high-ranking member of the Chinese Communist Party. These meetings took place on November 19 and November 21, 2021, just days before the White House announced plans to release 50 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).

Accusations of Undermining America’s Energy Security
Following a report by Fox News Digital, Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers of the House Energy and Commerce Committee accused Granholm of jeopardizing America’s energy security. She pointed out that, under Granholm’s leadership, the Department of Energy (DOE) had sold millions of barrels of oil from the SPR to China, which is the largest polluter in the world. This criticism comes after Granholm made controversial comments praising China’s approach to tackling climate change during an interview at the SXSW conference.

Demands for Transparency and Legislative Action
McMorris Rodgers called for transparency and demanded answers from Granholm, while also urging Congress to pass the Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act. This proposed act would prohibit the federal government from selling petroleum reserves, including those from the SPR, to Chinese entities.

Republican Representatives Join in Criticism
House GOP Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Rep. Mike Collins criticized the Biden administration for allegedly giving more consideration to communist China in shaping U.S. energy policy rather than prioritizing the interests of the American people.

Background on the SPR Release
In November 2021, the White House announced the release of oil from the SPR in collaboration with major energy-consuming nations, including China. However, concerns have been raised about China’s simultaneous increase in oil reserves while benefiting from the SPR release.

Recent SPR Releases
Since taking office, President Biden has authorized the release of approximately 260 million barrels of oil from the SPR to address the issue of high fuel prices. This has caused the SPR’s reserves to reach their lowest level since August 1983, sparking concerns about America’s energy security.