Today, the House Natural Resources Committee approved three bills to expand American onshore energy production and create much-needed jobs. These bills are an essential part of the House Republicans’ all-of-the-above energy plan and would remove government hurdles and red-tape that block and delay development of our onshore oil, natural gas and renewable resources.  

“Energy production on federal lands is one of our best opportunities for job creation and energy security, but time and time again the Obama Administration delays and blocks these opportunities. Federal oil and natural gas production has declined since President Obama took office, but these bills would help reverse that trend. These bills are yet another step forward for House Republicans’ all-of-the-above energy plan,” said Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04).

H.R. 1965, the Federal Lands Jobs and Energy Security Act passed by a bipartisan vote of  27-14. This bill, sponsored by Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee Chairman Doug Lamborn (CO-05), would reform the leasing process for onshore oil and natural gas projects on federal lands to eliminate unnecessary delays, reform the process for energy permitting, ensure funds are available for efficient wind and solar permitting, and set clear rules for the development of U.S. oil shale resources.  

“In recent years we have seen a boom in energy jobs and economic growth on state and private lands. I believe the only reason we haven’t seen that same dynamic growth on federal lands is because of excess regulations. My bill would reduce the federal red tape and frivolous lawsuits that act as stumbling blocks to job creation and energy development. My bill would help American families with jobs and affordable prices at the pump. It’s time we return to common sense policies that will help struggling Americans dig out of the financial mess that is the Obama Economy,” said Subcommittee Chairman Doug Lamborn (CO-05).

H.R. 1394, the Planning for American Energy Act passed by a bipartisan vote of 27-14. This legislation, sponsored by Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03), would establish common sense steps to create an all-of-the-above American energy plan using our vast federal resources and ensures that our Nation’s energy needs are met through development of both traditional and alternative energy resources.

“All-of-the-above has been a talking point for far too long, it’s time to make it a reality. We need to put into place a sustainable energy plan in this country that responsibly develops America’s abundant energy resources and in doing so generate economic growth, keep energy costs low, and put Americans back to work,” said Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03). “The Planning for American Energy Act would achieve this goal by using a common sense criteria—the needs of the American people—on which to base production goals for a true all-of-the-above domestic energy plan that includes wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, oil shale, oil, natural gas, coal and minerals needed for energy development.”

H.R. 555, the BLM Live Internet Auctions Act was approved by unanimous consent. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Bill Johnson (OH-06), would update the federal oil and natural gas leasing process by authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to conduct Internet-based auctions for onshore leases to ensure the best return to the Federal taxpayer, reduce fraud, and secure the leasing process.