WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) to introduce legislation to increase robust energy development and production in the United States.
The first bill, the Lease Now Act, would require the Department of the Interior (DOI) to resume and maintain onshore and offshore federal oil and gas lease sales. It would also direct DOI to finalize a five-year offshore oil and gas leasing plan.
The second bill, the Opportunities for the Nation and States to Harness Onshore Resources for Energy (ONSHORE) Act, would empower states to manage the development and production of oil and gas on federal lands within their borders.
Additional cosponsors of these bills are Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.).
“Since day one, President Biden has failed to take full advantage of America’s abundant energy supply. This inaction has resulted in record prices at the pump and negotiations with dictators and despots in unfriendly nations,” said Risch. “These bills unleash some of our nation’s greatest assets while increasing energy production, creating jobs, invigorating our economy, and strengthening our national security. The consistent sale of gas and oil leases and timely approvals of drilling permits will help set America on a path to becoming energy independent.”
“The Biden administration’s relentless war on American energy must end. It has led to sky-high energy prices and has emboldened our enemies,” said Barrasso. “My legislation will boost production and development of American energy. The Lease Now Act will ensure the administration resumes and maintains consistent oil and gas lease sales on federal lands and waters. It will also direct DOI to finalize plans for future oil and gas lease sales. The ONSHORE Act empowers states with the authority to manage oil and gas permitting and regulatory responsibilities on federal land within their borders. It will help streamline permitting processes to meet our energy needs. My legislation will pave the way for America to regain energy dominance.”
Read the text of the Lease Now Act here.
Read the text of the ONSHORE Act here.
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