Democrats plan investigations into Trump energy policies

Democrats will launch investigations into President Trump's energy policies when they take control of Congress in January, focusing on his administration's intervention in Venezuela's oil sector, critical minerals deals, and cancellation of renewable energy projects. The party will gain subpoena power with committee control, allowing them to compel testimony and document disclosure. Democrats have raised concerns about the legality of the Venezuela oil deal, conflict of interest issues involving Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's former firm Cantor Fitzgerald, and the cancellation of nearly $8 billion in energy projects. Democrats also plan to pass a war powers resolution to end the Iran conflict, which has raised fuel prices. Crude prices fell sharply Wednesday on expectations of a deal with Iran, though analysts warn military escalation remains possible. The Interior Department's $1 billion payment to TotalEnergies to cancel an offshore wind project is also under scrutiny.