Central Wyoming News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a letter addressed to Dr. Fatih Birol, Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), U.S. Senator John Barrasso and U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers have expressed concerns about the agency's deviation from its core mission of promoting energy security. The lawmakers criticized the IEA for its recent actions, stating that it has been undermining energy security by discouraging sufficient investment in energy supplies and shifting towards being an "energy transition cheerleader."

The lawmakers highlighted their apprehensions about biased parties exploiting the IEA's forecasts to advocate for policies that could compromise energy security. They specifically mentioned an incident where David Turk, a former deputy at the IEA and current Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Energy, relied on IEA forecasts to support President Biden's decision to pause LNG export permits, despite the availability of conflicting forecasts from the Energy Information Administration.

Barrasso and McMorris Rodgers emphasized the importance of unbiased and balanced assessments in energy modeling, raising concerns about the IEA's focus on promoting an "energy transition" agenda over objective information dissemination. They pointed out that the agency's approach could have significant implications for global energy markets and future energy security.

The letter also questioned the IEA's decision to cease publication of a neutral reference case scenario and called for clarity on the agency's modeling methodologies and assumptions. The lawmakers urged Dr. Birol to reconsider the IEA's current direction and prioritize its mission of ensuring energy security for all.

The concerns raised by Senator Barrasso and Representative McMorris Rodgers shed light on the ongoing debate surrounding the IEA's role in shaping energy policies and forecasts, emphasizing the need for transparency and objectivity in energy security assessments.