Congressman August Pfluger, representing Texas' 11th district, led a congressional delegation to the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29). The purpose of the visit was to highlight U.S. energy innovation and its impact on the global stage.
Pfluger expressed pride in leading the delegation, stating, "I am proud to have led a congressional delegation to COP29 to show that the United States is leading the way in energy innovation and is open for business." He emphasized that energy remains foundational and stressed the importance of maintaining global leadership in energy production while supporting allies.
Fox Business reported Pfluger's call for reducing regulations to enhance American energy output. "Speaker Johnson asked me to lead this delegation, and I think it's pretty simple. It's exactly what the mandate the American public gave us on November 5th is energy dominance. It is unleashing American energy," he said.
Politico highlighted Pfluger's remarks on natural gas as a key factor in emission reduction efforts. “American natural gas has helped us reduce emissions more than any other nation," he stated, advocating for increased exports of LNG and nuclear power as solutions for allies seeking lower emissions.
Semafor noted Republican lawmakers' advocacy at COP29 for expanding U.S. natural gas exports as part of addressing climate challenges. Pfluger argued that reliance on renewables had weakened global energy security and reiterated support for exporting clean sources like LNG and nuclear power.
Grist covered Pfluger's assertion that recent electoral results showed strong backing for President Trump's vision of restoring U.S. energy dominance. Other Republicans with him echoed pro-fossil fuel sentiments, with Troy Balderson defending fracking and Morgan Griffith supporting technologies like carbon capture alongside coal-derived natural gas.
The Guardian reported Pfluger's comments linking Trump's re-election with public endorsement of his energy policies. He acknowledged inflation's impact on citizens and called for realistic assessments of global energy strategies.
Truthout mentioned Pfluger's suggestion that the U.S. reconsider its participation in the Paris climate agreement while emphasizing Congress's potential role in overturning parts of Biden's climate agenda aimed at meeting international warming targets.