White House: Suspicious Russian pipeline leaks underscore need for clean energy

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White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Tuesday that the mysterious leaks in two European gas pipelines emphasize the need to transition the United States, Europe, and Western allies to clean energy sources.

Authorities discovered damaged pipes in both the Nord Stream I and II systems early Tuesday morning. The leaks effectively end hopes that Europe could receive any more natural gas from Russia before the winter, and multiple officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, suggested the leaks might be the result of an attack or sabotage by Russian forces.

SUDDEN LEAKS IN BOTH GAS PIPELINES FROM RUSSIA HAVE EUROPE WARNING OF SABOTAGE

Jean-Pierre declined to confirm or deny reports of sabotage but reiterated past rhetoric during Tuesday's White House press briefing about Russian President Vladimir Putin weaponizing the energy sector.

"Putin has weaponized energy, and we have said this many times before," she stated. "This just drives home the importance of our efforts to work together to get alternative gas supplies to Europe and to support efforts to reduce gas consumption, accelerate true energy independence by moving to a clean-energy economy."

Norway's Petroleum Safety Authority issued a warning of multiple unidentified drones flying near the pipelines on Monday.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Federiksen also suggested that while "it is too early to conclude yet," "it is difficult to imagine that it could be accidental," considering the timing by which the three separate leaks were discovered.

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You can watch Tuesday's briefing in full below.

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Tags: Energy, Nord Stream II, News, Karine Jean-Pierre, White House, War in Ukraine

Original Author: Christian Datoc

Original Location: White House: Suspicious Russian pipeline leaks underscore need for clean energy