Attorney General Kris Mayes, along with attorneys general from 11 other states, has called on the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to support S.J. Res. 10. This resolution seeks to terminate the national energy emergency declared by former President Trump in Executive Order 14156.
"Declaring a national energy emergency when America's energy production is at an all-time high ignores the facts and jeopardizes our efforts to build a clean, reliable, and affordable energy future," said Attorney General Mayes. She urged Congress to focus on policies promoting a sustainable energy future for Americans.
The letter from the attorneys general argues that there is no current energy emergency in the United States. "American energy production is at an all-time high and our electricity grid is resilient," they wrote. They emphasized that the existing system can maintain, diversify, and expand its reliable supply even as demand increases.
Highlighting record levels of crude oil and natural gas production, they noted that the U.S. has been a net energy exporter since 2019. The letter also pointed out that renewable energy enhances grid reliability and affordability: “The North American Electric Reliability Corporation... reports that the bulk power system is resilient.”
Extreme weather induced by climate change—not fossil fuel underproduction—is cited as the most pressing threat to America's grid stability. "Burning fossil fuels only increases instances of severe extreme weather," which damages infrastructure and endangers lives, according to their statement.
The letter stresses renewable energy's potential: “The Department of Energy estimates that the United States has enough renewable energy potential to meet 100 times the annual nationwide energy demand.” It calls for approval of S.J. Res. 10, arguing that deregulation resulting from the Emergency Declaration could make supplies less reliable and affordable.
Joining Attorney General Mayes are her counterparts from New Mexico, New York, Maryland (listed twice), Colorado, Washington, Illinois, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Hawaii.