Interior Sec Haaland says unfamiliar with 'energy poverty' when asked about green energy transition

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said Wednesday she was unfamiliar with the term "energy poverty" when asked on Capitol Hill about the whether the administration's move from fossil-fuel to renewable energy is in fact making goods more expensive for Americans.

Haaland was asked during a House hearing by Wyoming GOP Rep. Harriet Hageman: "Do you believe energy poverty is a good thing?"

Haaland responded: "I don't know the term ma'am. I have not heard of that term."

Hageman, who this year replaced Republican Liz Cheney as Wyoming's lone member or Congress, said the term was "self-explanatory."

Haaland said administration is trying to "make energy more affordable" for everyone.

Hageman repeated the question and argued Americans are less able to afford medicine and groceries because of rising energy costs as a result of the administration's so-called green energy agenda, saying, "Your policies do the exact opposite, correct?”

Haaland reiterated her argument the administration is focused on energy affordability and said President Biden "believes in energy independence for our country," and that "using different energy sources around the country… will keep energy more affordable." 

Hageland then asked: “Including coal, oil and gas, correct?,” to which Haaland replied, "We are in a transition."

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