Silver State Times

Sen. John Barrasso is speaking out about the harsh conditions under which many Americans are living.

Barrasso is a ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. He said he is frustrated with Democrats for voting against policies that would provide relief for families.

He also expressed anger that Democrats continue to vote for measures that will worsen inflation in the face of rising energy costs, as well as other living expenses, according to an article published on the Senate website in August.

“The Democrats’ war on American energy continued today,” Barrasso said in a statement. “Families are paying the price. While jamming through their reckless tax and spending spree, Democrats voted against common sense Republican proposals. These proposals would have unleashed American energy and lowered costs for families. American families need relief from Democrat policies that attack American energy, send utility bills soaring, and drive-up prices at the pump.”

A late utility bill crisis has been caused by surging electricity prices, according to Bloomberg. American energy bills are not being paid on time by one in six people. American households experienced the largest increase in electricity prices in 13 years in July, with a 15.2% increase compared to a 4% increase in 2021. Due to the pandemic, Americans owe approximately $16 billion in late energy bills.

Democratic senators have rejected Sen. Steve Daines' (R-MT) energy bill, which would have required the Biden administration to boost American oil and gas production and establish a renewable energy program, according to Daines’ website.

“These actions diminished American energy security, hurt our allies and empowered our adversaries,” Daines said in March. “My bill will help get the United States back on track.”

To reduce fossil fuel production, the Biden administration has emphasized the use of green energy. The administration’s policies resulted in an increase in energy and gas prices, including the cancellation of the Keystone XL Pipeline and restrictions on oil and gas leases on American lands, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Since energy prices in the United States continue to rise, President Joe Biden was forced to request oil and gas from foreign nations, the WSJ reported. According to the WSJ, Biden does not have a long-term energy cost reduction plan.

According to Reuters, Cortez Masto supports Biden's green energy agenda, which has increased utility rates, taxes, and diminished American energy independence.

In June, Nevada's average electricity cost was 10.77 cents/kilowatt-hour, up from 9.01 cents/kwh last year, according to the Energy Information Administration. The national average has increased 7.4% over the past year.