House Republicans move to cut US funding for International Energy Agency

House Republicans are advancing a proposal to cut US funding for the International Energy Agency (IEA), accusing the organisation of abandoning its neutrality in favour of promoting climate policy, according to the latest report by Bloomberg.

A bill approved on July 23 by the House Appropriations Committee includes a provision to eliminate the US contribution to the Paris-based agency, which amounts to approximately $6 million annually — about 14% of the IEA’s total budget.

According to a formal report accompanying the bill, committee Republicans argue that the IEA “has abandoned objectivity in the critical energy-supply information it produces” and has instead delivered “politicised information to support climate policy advocacy.”

The report claims this shift undermines sound policymaking and jeopardises US energy security and economic interests.

The measure is part of the House’s fiscal year 2026 funding legislation for the Department of State and international programs. It is unclear whether the Democrat-controlled Senate will support the move, which is required for it to become law.

Responding to the legislation, the IEA stated it was “taking note of the bill and will continue to monitor the ongoing legislative process in the US Congress.” The agency defended its mission, saying its “commitment to energy security is as strong as ever,” highlighting its rapid responses to recent crises and expanded focus on securing critical mineral supplies. It emphasised that its data and analysis “are the result of rigorous and objective work.”

The IEA, an independent body under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), was founded in the wake of the 1970s oil crisis to help ensure global energy security. Its membership includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, and 27 other countries.

In recent years, the agency has faced growing criticism from US conservatives due to its long-term energy forecasts, which have increasingly reflected the impact of global efforts to transition away from fossil fuels. The IEA has projected that global oil demand will reach a peak before the end of the decade, citing the expansion of electric vehicle use and other emissions-cutting measures.

Among the leading Republican voices criticising the IEA is Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who recently warned in an interview that the US would consider withdrawing entirely from the agency unless it reforms its approach.

By Tamilla Hasanova