Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) led 17 of her House Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to the House Appropriations Committee requesting that Congress protect funding to support emissions reducing technology in the energy sector. 

“As you consider the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Energy and Water Development and Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bills, we request strong support for technologies and research to reduce emissions within the energy sector – specifically in natural gas development and its supply chain – and the highest possible funding for the relevant accounts to support these crucial programs,” the members wrote.  “We also request that any funding appropriated for the accounts be utilized as Congress has directed.  As our communities and energy industry grapple with mitigating the effects of climate change, we know that we must use available resources in increasingly sustainable ways that reduce their environmental impact.  This includes research, development, and deployment of these critical technologies across the federal government.  Staunch Congressional support for the development of these technologies is more important than ever, with President Trump intent on weakening United States (U.S.) innovation and scientific research.”

“Given President Trump’s desire to defund, denounce, and deny science, Congress must provide and enforce robust funding for energy sector emissions reductions technologies and research.  This common-sense effort is vital to advancing our energy economy in a sustainable way,” the members continued.  “Scientists have studied methane and carbon dioxide emissions for decades and continue to update estimates of emission contributions and impacts on climate change.  Industry leaders, scientists, and environmental organizations have stated that we need to invest more in mitigating these emissions.  The need for this funding is even more acute in FY26 since appropriations for these accounts were flat or decreased from FY24 to FY25.” 

Congressmembers Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Troy Carter (LA-02), Sean Casten (IL-06), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny Davis (IL-07), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Haley Stevens (MI-11), and Marc Veasey (TX-33) joined Congresswoman Fletcher in the letter request.

In previous appropriations bills, Congresswoman Fletcher has sent similar letters advocating for funding to encourage emissions reducing technology.

To view the full text of the letter, click here.