Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., holds his English bulldog, Babydog, during an Energy Committee meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. Babydog briefly took the senator's seat, delighting staff and attendees. (Office of Senator Jim Justice)
Justice warned that America faces serious decisions within the next 18 months if energy production isn’t scaled to meet demand.
"There could be a possibility that it could have expanded just a little bit more than that, but really and truly, within a year-and-a-half, we’re going to have to make some really, really tough decisions," he said. "It could very well be an electricity demand of double what it is today."
Justice also addressed budget and entitlement reform, tying economic growth directly to energy: "The ticket to growing... is energy. Energy. Energy. Period."
Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., sits with his English bulldog, Babydog, during an Energy Committee hearing on Thursday. (Office of Senator Jim Justice)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Her bipartisan appeal and growing public profile have helped Babydog carve out a unique role in Washington—part mascot, part morale booster, and now, a regular presence in policy settings. As Thursday’s hearing showed, she’s not just along for the ride—she’s helping shape the tone in the room.
Now heading into April recess, the Senate adjourns with energy questions unresolved, but bipartisan agreement that Babydog is always welcome.
Jasmine is a writer at Fox News Digital and a military spouse based in New Orleans. Stories can be sent to jasmine.baehr@fox.com
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/babydog-justice-energy-committee-debut-sen-jim-justice-talks-trump-coal-grid-reform