In an exclusive report, Fox News Digital has learned that the White House is prohibiting senior administration officials from traveling for international energy engagements that promote carbon-intensive fuels, including oil, natural gas, and coal.
This guidance, originating from the White House National Security Council (NSC), was revealed in a memo issued by the Department of Energy (DOE) on September 15.
The memo, authored by Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk, outlines travel restrictions and states that officials must obtain approval from the NSC before attending any global energy engagement. Turk's memo sets out a presumption that agencies and departments will pursue international energy engagement that advances clean energy projects. However, it also allows for limited exceptions to pursue carbon-intensive engagements on a justified geostrategic imperative or energy-for-development/energy access basis.
The memo specifically rules out any U.S. government engagement related to unabated or partially abated coal generation. It defines carbon-intensive international energy engagements as those directly related and dedicated to the production, transportation, or consumption of carbon-intensive fuels that would lead to additional greenhouse gas emissions. The memo identifies coal, oil, and natural gas as carbon-intensive fossil fuels.
The guidance, which became effective in November 2021, applies to all international energy engagements. In April 2022, Turk issued a separate memo outlining how the DOE would implement the NSC guidance. This memo stated that energy engagements promoting carbon-intensive fuels may only be exempt if they advance national security or support energy access in vulnerable areas.
Under the updated guidance, departments and agencies are required to submit exemption justifications to the NSC and receive NSC concurrence before proceeding with a covered engagement.
The DOE referred Fox News Digital to the NSC for comment, but the NSC did not respond to multiple requests.
Critics argue that the Biden administration's approach to the fossil fuels industry is detrimental to the nation. Daniel Turner, the founder and executive director of Power the Future, stated, "The Biden Administration cannot continue to treat the fossil fuels industry as an enemy. Millions of people are employed in this industry, which powers our entire nation, our military, our national security, and allows Joe Biden to jet off every weekend to his beach house." Turner believes that the administration's war on American fossil fuels is making the country poorer, weaker, and more reliant on China and OPEC for energy.
Since taking office, President Biden has pursued an aggressive climate agenda, aiming to boost green energy technologies while reducing reliance on carbon-intensive fuels. The administration has set federal goals to ensure that 50% of U.S. car purchases are zero-emissions by 2030 and that the power sector is carbon-free by 2035.
However, the majority of vehicles in the U.S. still have internal combustion engines, and approximately 60% of electricity is generated from fossil fuels, mainly natural gas. Critics argue that the administration's focus on green energy technologies overlooks the current reality of the energy landscape.
Despite criticism, President Biden remains committed to his climate agenda. During a United Nations conference last month, he stated, "From the day I came to office, we've led with a bold climate agenda." The administration has rejoined the Paris Agreement, convened major climate summits, and helped deliver critical agreements on COP26.
As part of this agenda, President Biden and senior administration officials have traveled to global energy conferences to promote green energy development. However, they have been notably absent from global fossil fuel summits, such as the World Gas Conference. The Biden administration also chose not to invite oil and gas industry representatives to the White House Methane Summit in July.
The American Petroleum Institute (API) expressed disappointment at the exclusion of the natural gas and oil industry from the methane summit. The API highlighted the industry's efforts to reduce methane emissions through advanced technology and collaboration with the administration.
The White House's prohibition on officials promoting carbon-intensive fuels in international energy engagements reflects the administration's commitment to its climate agenda. However, critics argue that this approach neglects the current energy landscape and the role that fossil fuels play in powering the nation. The debate over the future of energy in the United States continues, with both sides advocating for their respective positions.
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