At the COP29 climate summit in Baku, a delegation of US Republicans made their stance on climate change and energy clear. Despite pledges from the Biden administration and state leaders to continue the shift towards renewable energy, GOP officials strongly defended fossil fuels.
A Call for Energy Dominance
Led by Representative August Pfluger, who represents Texas’ Permian Basin, the GOP delegation suggested that the US should exit the 2015 Paris climate agreement. Pfluger also emphasized that the incoming Republican-controlled Congress would focus on repealing key parts of President Biden’s climate policies.
This includes aspects of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which was designed to move the US closer to meeting the Paris Agreement’s climate goals.
Pfluger argued that renewable energy policies in the IRA have contributed to rising costs and inflation. He said the focus should shift to affordable, reliable energy sources that lower Americans’ living costs. While he did not call for a complete repeal of the IRA, he suggested parts of it would be reviewed.
Also read: COP29 in Baku Faces Stalemate as Key Issues Remain Unresolved
Support for Fossil Fuels and Clean Coal
The GOP delegation’s defense of fossil fuels was evident in their press conference. Representatives from Ohio and Virginia echoed Pfluger’s support for natural gas and coal, particularly clean coal with carbon capture technology. They also defended fracking, which has become a contentious issue in the US’s energy debate.
They argued that regions rich in natural resources should not be penalized for supporting fossil fuel use in the name of cleaner energy. This viewpoint aligns with President Ilham Aliyev’s statement at COP29, where he praised Azerbaijan’s oil resources as a “gift from God.”
Also read: Azerbaijan President Calls Oil and Gas as “Gift from God” at COP29
Climate Finance and Foreign Aid Concerns
The debate over climate finance was a key topic at the COP29 summit. The goal is to secure agreements on climate aid for poorer countries transitioning to cleaner energy. Pfluger did not rule out opposing foreign climate aid, especially if it conflicted with US energy priorities.
As the US delegation’s influence grows, the shift between Democrats and Republicans will shape global climate policy. Biden’s administration focuses on clean energy investment, while the GOP prioritizes fossil fuels and affordability.
A Divided Approach to Climate Action
While the Biden administration stays committed to climate action, the GOP’s stance at COP29 highlights a clash of priorities. As the US navigates its energy transition, the tension between these approaches will shape its role in global climate negotiations.