Miller-Meeks Joins Bill to Reduce European Reliance on Russian Energy

Statement

Today, January 25th, 2022, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) signed on as a cosponsor of H.R. 2046, the Energy Security Cooperation with Allied Partners in Europe (ESCAPE) Act. This legislation, introduced by Rep. Carol Miller (WV-03), would advance American energy exports to the European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies, and reduce their reliance on Russian energy. Additionally, it mandates sanctions on Russian pipelines, including Nord Stream 2, which were signed into law in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, but have not been enforced by the Biden Administration.

This legislation is the House companion to S. 819, which was introduced by Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY).

"There needs to be serious action taken to counter Russia's continued aggression against the democracies in Eastern Europe. Enforcing the Congressionally-passed and signed into law sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline is a necessary first toward deterring further Russian military advances," said Miller-Meeks. "We should also continue to grow our energy export network with our European allies and NATO partners to help them wean off Russian energy. Biofuels, nuclear, oil, natural gas, hydro, and electric can all be a part of our energy diplomacy and weaken Russia's influence in Europe."

Source