Republican senators from oil-producing states introduced legislation on Jan. 28 that would block the Biden administration’s order pausing new oil and gas leasing on federal lands.
The bill, introduced by Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and 24 other senators, would require congressional approval for any suspension of fossil-fuel leasing or permitting on public lands and waters.
“Federal lands and water don’t belong to President Biden; they belong to the people of the United States,” Cassidy said in a statement.
“This bill installs needed safeguards to ensure that no president can unilaterally pull the plug on American energy production and put thousands out of work the way this president is trying to do.”
RELATED:
Oil and Gas World Perceives Biden’s Orders as a Threat
An official from the Interior Department, which oversees federal lands and waters, would not comment.
Introduction of the bill, dubbed the Protecting our Wealth of Energy Resources (POWER) Act of 2021, came a day after Democratic President Joe Biden paused new oil and gas leases on federal land as part of an ambitious climate change agenda. His Republican predecessor, Donald Trump, had sought to maximize oil and gas production on federal lands and waters.
The other senators introducing the bill represent Wyoming, Tennessee, Arkansas, West Virginia, Texas, North Dakota, Idaho, Montana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Utah, Kansas, Alaska, Pennsylvania, and Alabama.
Recommended Reading
Midstream Operators See Strong NGL Performance in Q4
2024-02-20 - Export demand drives a record fourth quarter as companies including Enterprise Products Partners, MPLX and Williams look to expand in the NGL market.
Enbridge Sells Off NGL Pipeline, Assets to Pembina for $2.9B
2024-04-01 - With its deal to buy Enbridge’s NGL assets closed, Canada's Pembina Pipeline raised EBITDA guidance for 2024.
Plains All American Names Michelle Podavin Midstream Canada President
2024-03-05 - Michelle Podavin, who currently serves as senior vice president of NGL commercial assets for Plains Midstream Canada, will become president of the business unit in June.
Energy Transfer Remains Hungry for M&A, Sees 1Q Oil Volumes Surge
2024-05-09 - Energy Transfer reported record first-quarter crude volumes and expects demand for petrochemicals to continue rising.
Targa Expects Another Major Permian Pipeline Project This Year
2024-05-03 - Targa Resources says different projects are falling in place for gas capacity expansion