Energy and foreign policy hawks took aim this week at the Biden administration’s announcement that it will ease sanctions on Venezuelan oil.
The Biden administration confirmed on Wednesday its plans to ease sanctions on oil and gas from Venezuela, as well as gold. This decision has drawn criticism from energy and foreign policy experts who view Venezuela as one of the world’s dirtiest energy producers and an oppressor of its own people.
Senate Energy Committee Chair, Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), a frequent critic of the administration on energy issues, expressed his disapproval, stating, “On the heels of announcing the smallest five-year offshore oil and gas leasing plan in decades, this administration is turning to Venezuela. One of the world’s dirtiest energy producers and an oppressor of its own people.”
Ranking Member of the Senate Energy Committee, John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), echoed these sentiments, saying, “This decision shows once again that President Biden would rather go with dictators on a bended knee than allow us to use American energy.”
According to an analysis by The Associated Press, U.S. oil production recently reached an all-time high.
Read the full report at TheHill.com.
