# German energy policy scrutiny under Katherina Reiche > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/german-energy-policy-scrutiny-under-katherina-reiche > Updated: 2026-09-08T05:36:34.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche has faced scrutiny regarding her energy policy and industry advocacy. In August 2026, Reiche faced criticism for her refusal to intervene directly in national gas storage levels. She placed responsibility on market participants, arguing that state-mandated purchases might drive up prices and reduce private incentives. The success of this strategy was noted to be dependent on stable pipeline operations and a mild winter. By September 2026, controversy emerged following the release of internal ministry documents obtained via freedom of information requests. The documents detailed Reiche’s March 2026 trip to Texas, where she reportedly advocated for gas and nuclear interests, promoted new US gas supply contracts, and criticized EU methane regulations. Environmental organizations characterized her stance as prioritizing industry interests, noting she described renewable energy as ‘not an end in themselves’ and suggested aligning German energy policy more closely with the United States. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Katherina Reiche accused of lobbying for gas and nuclear interests in US Leaked documents reveal German Minister Katherina Reiche lobbied for gas and nuclear interests during a 2026 US trip, according to environmental groups and transparency advocates. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/katherina-reiche-accused-of-lobbying-for-gas-and-nuclear-interests-in-us ### 2026-08-21: Germany's Katherina Reiche relies on market actors for gas storage German Economic Affairs Minister Katherina Reiche is relying on market actors to fill gas storage capacities, avoiding state intervention to prevent price spikes despite risks to winter energy security. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germanys-katherina-reiche-relies-on-market-actors-for-gas-storage --- Cite as: German energy policy scrutiny under Katherina Reiche. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/german-energy-policy-scrutiny-under-katherina-reiche