Unleashing American energy on American soil

OPINION:

The security, affordability, and dominance of America’s energy output has never been more important. House Republicans are working tirelessly to advance bills that support U.S. energy production and achieve energy independence, efforts critical to job security in communities across America. The wealth of natural resources we have in this country should be harnessed and channeled, and throughout this Congress, House Republicans have delivered solutions supporting American energy dominance.

The House Committee on Natural Resources just heralded the passage of several crucial pieces of legislation during Energy Week. March also marked the one-year anniversary of H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act. This legislation was passed in the House of Representatives to increase domestic energy production and exports as well as critical minerals mining and processing. The rapidly increasing demand for energy globally underscores the need for solutions like the Lower Energy Costs Act to cut through unnecessary red tape and unleash America’s untapped energy resources.

Here on the House Committee on Natural Resources, we’ve also advanced bills like H.R. 1121, the Protecting American Energy Production Act. This legislation requires that states regulate hydraulic fracturing not the federal government and prevents the Biden administration or any others from banning hydraulic fracturing without congressional direction. The transformative impact of hydraulic fracturing in the United States has positioned us as the global leader in the production of natural gas and oil. Republican-led efforts to promote the surge in supply have boosted our economy and contributed to lower energy prices for consumers, all while reducing emissions and providing cleaner air and water. The safe and effective process of hydraulic fracturing must continue to be a part of America’s energy future.

H.R. 6009, the Restoring American Energy Dominance Act, rescinds new Bureau of Land Management regulations that would disadvantage small oil and gas producers and phase out the federal oil and gas program. This would jeopardize American energy security, thousands of jobs, and billions of dollars in revenue to states and the federal government, all while driving up energy prices for American families.

Reps. Jeff Duncan and Lauren Boebert’s work on these two important bills is just a small part of the work we are championing in the House Committee on Natural Resources, and both of these bills were passed with bipartisan support out of the House at the end of March. These common-sense energy policies help secure the future of America’s dominance in global production.

Overall, we are promoting solutions that modernize the development of domestic energy output. As House Republicans work tirelessly on these matters, we are also listening to the concerns of those we have put in the driver’s seat; namely, communities across the country who know these issues best. These proven solutions will ensure America remains a global leader in energy. House Republicans always have and always will fight for American families, working to make it cheaper and safer to keep the lights on across the United States.

• Rep. Bruce Westerman represents Arkansas’ Fourth Congressional District, serving as chairman of the Committee on Natural Resources. A Hot Springs native, Westerman is an engineer and forester by trade, an avid outdoorsman, and a proud husband and father of four.