U.S. Sen. John Barrasso voiced concern on Fox News Sunday as President-elect Joe Biden's climate team comes into focus. The Republican chairs the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and says he isn't planning to let nominations move forward without a fight.
He's particularly concerned with Biden's pick for Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. Barrasso highlighted a specific comment made by the former Michigan governor at an event back in 2016.
"We ought to be doing everything we possibly can to keep fossil fuel energy in the ground and developing the renewable side," she said.
Barrasso said that approach would be devastating to states like Wyoming that depend on oil, gas and coal.
"The impact of that on our economy on jobs... it cuts the throat out of my state, our economy, the men and women who work there, the energy that America needs," he said.
Barrasso highlighted the importance of the two upcoming senate run-off elections in Georgia which will decide which party controls the Senate. He said a Republican majority would help give the party more power over Biden's nominations.
A Republican majority would also decide the fate of his bid to lead the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources. Barrasso announcedhis intent to lead the committee last month. His eligibility will depend on majority control in the Senate.