U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) recently unveiled bipartisan, bicameral legislation to authorize up to $1 billion in financing for European energy sector projects that would counter Russia’s role as a dominant energy provider in Eastern Europe.
“As the world’s top energy producer, the U.S. has an opportunity to stop Putin from using energy as a means to threaten the security of our European partners,” Rep. Kinzinger tweeted on March 11. “I’m proud to introduce legislation to support our allies & increase global energy security.”
The European Energy Security and Diversification Act, H.R. 1616, would prioritize the efforts of and enhance coordination among United States agencies to encourage countries in Central and Eastern Europe to diversify their energy sources and supply routes, increase Europe’s energy security, and help the United States reach its global energy security goals, according to the congressional record.
Rep. Kinzinger on March 7 sponsored H.R. 1616 with original cosponsors who included U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Bill Keating (D-MA).
The same-named S. 704 also was introduced on March 7 by U.S. Sens. Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Christopher Murphy (D-CT).
“The United States is the world’s top energy producer, where American oil output has more than doubled over the last 10 years,” Rep. Kinzinger said, adding that Russia for years has used energy “as a weapon to coerce, manipulate and create conflict among European governments.”
The proposed bill, he said, would help the nation’s European partners develop and diversify their own energy sources, “which would increase their own security and defend against the malign activities of the Kremlin.”
Rep. Keating added that, “In the face of growing threats to our security and that of our allies, we need to stand together as part of a strong and unified coalition.”
If enacted, the proposed legislation would be “a major step forward in helping our European partners lessen Russian influence over the energy sector while also fostering EU-U.S. cooperation, private investment and low-carbon pathways,” Rep. Keating said.
H.R. 1616 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, while S. 704 is under review by members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.