Chairman Doc Hastings sat down with Platts Energy Week to discuss Wednesday’s oversight hearing with the President’s National Oil Spill Commission Co-Chairs William Reilly and Bob Graham. The hearing is expected to focus on the Commission’s findings into the causes of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the on-going federal response and recommendations to keep America’s offshore energy… Read more »

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) released the following statement after the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced that it will not appeal a ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that would block states and tribal entities from lethally removing California sea lions that feast on endangered salmon. “I am disappointed in the federal… Read more »

Hastings Says Gas Prices Could Drive Drilling Debate 1/20/2011 National Journal Amy Harder A top House Republican predicted Wednesday that Congress could see a repeat of its bruising debate over offshore drilling from 2008 if gasoline prices continue to rise. “I think we could potentially … see a similar type of discussion,” House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings,… Read more »

Yesterday, the Associated Press reported on rising gas prices causing consumers to shift spending habits, which could directly curtail economic recovery: “Thursday's government report on retail sales indicates that consumers are skipping a restaurant meal or a movie because they have to spend more to drive…If the price [of gas] goes up a dime, it means consumers pay $40 million more each… Read more »

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) released the following statement regarding the further division of the former MMS into the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement: “There was bipartisan recognition of the need to improve the operations of MMS in order to ensure that U.S. offshore drilling is the safest in… Read more »

January 12, 2011 Earmark Moratorium Applies to Bills Referred to Natural Resources Committee   Dear Colleague: It is important for all Members to recognize that the moratorium on earmarks applies to matters and bills referred to the Natural Resources Committee. If you are preparing or writing a bill that falls within the jurisdiction of the Natural Resources Committee, please… Read more »

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) released the following statement regarding the final report and recommendations from the President’s National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling. The House Natural Resources Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing, with testimony from Commission Co-Chairs William Reilly and Bob Graham, on… Read more »

Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for your December 1, 2010, letter regarding my recent forum on hydraulic fracturing on public lands. We brought together this group to discuss a way forward to allow the United States to continue to realize the benefits of oil and gas development in a safe and effective manner. Read the entire letter HERE. Read more »

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) released the following statement after the Department of Labor released the December unemployment report: “It is always encouraging to see more Americans back at work, but with unemployment at 9.4 percent much still needs to be done to help the millions of jobless individuals around the country. The new Republican majority… Read more »

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) released the following statement after the National Oil Spill Commission released one chapter of its final report on the Deepwater Horizon tragedy and subsequent oil spill: “This chapter of the National Oil Spill Commission’s final report provides initial insight into a very complicated and terrible tragedy. However, I’m… Read more »