US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm has once again angered critics over her handling of the gas price crisis, chalking soaring prices up to an “energy transition.”
Speaking during a White House event on the administration’s readiness for the winter months, Granholm addressed skyrocketing gas prices around the country by saying they are part of a “transition” and people need “to take some time off of oil and gas.”
“We recognize this,” Granholm said. “This is a transition.”
As Granholm’s comments have made their way across social media, critics have used the vague talk to back up accusations that the administration is purposefully hurting the oil industry.
“This is a shakedown,” conservative author Tony Shaffer tweeted.
US President Joe Biden has admitted gas prices have become too high and announced a plan this week to release oil reserves to combat rising costs. The White House has pointed to a rise in demand and pandemic-created supply chain issues as being behind dramatic price rises in gas and other goods.
Granholm received pushback earlier in the month for laughing off a question on how she would lower gas prices.
“That is hilarious. Would that I had the magic wand on this,” she said, claiming price increases can be blamed on a “global market” the US has little control over.
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