The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved legislation Thursday aimed at facilitating Taiwan’s energy independence while clamping down on illegal mining and fishing.
The committee passed an amended version of the “Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act,” S.2722, by voice vote. The bill, introduced by Sens. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), aims to enhance Taiwan’s resilience with more U.S. natural gas and encouraging its nuclear energy program.
Taiwan is a self-governing island that China claims. Fortifying Taiwan’s energy independence could prevent China from gaining control and enacting a future embargo.
Separately, the committee approved a multiyear plan to combat the “negative environmental and social impacts” of illegal gold mining in the Western Hemisphere.
