Today, the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a hearing on restoring American energy dominance through the development of U.S. offshore energy resources. Subcommittee Chairman Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) issued the following statement in response:

“For 4 years, President Biden ignored the livelihoods and energy needs of hardworking Americans by waging war on domestic energy. Fortunately, House Republicans are working with President Trump to reverse the disastrous policies of the previous administration, and we will begin by unleashing offshore oil and gas production in the Gulf of America and Alaska. By making America energy dominant once again, we will lower costs at the pump, create jobs, and enhance our national security.”

Background

Energy production in the Gulf of America accounts for nearly 14 percent of total U.S. oil production and supports approximately 410,000 jobs. Alaska’s oil and gas industry supports 69,200 jobs and $5.9 billion in wages — or 16 percent of all the jobs in the state. Over the past 20 years, offshore oil and gas activity has generated approximately $129.87 billion in revenue, averaging around $6.49 billion annually. This substantial income stream is pivotal for both federal and state governments, supporting a wide range of public services, infrastructure projects and conservation initiatives.

The Biden administration’s anti-energy agenda included unprecedented steps to cripple offshore exploration, production and investment, effectively handing control of the global energy market to our adversaries. Fortunately, the Trump administration and House Republicans are working to reverse the disastrous policies of the Biden administration to unleash America's rich energy resources.

On Jan. 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14153 to unleash Alaska’s energy potential, which includes provisions aimed at increasing offshore energy production. Additionally, Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued secretarial orders revoking the Biden administration’s radical offshore withdrawal and encouraging exploration and production on federal lands and waters. Last Congress, House Republicans passed H.R. 1, which provided long-term certainty for domestic offshore energy production. This Congress, Republicans on the House Committee on Natural Resources will build upon the policies advanced in H.R. 1 to enact lasting solutions promoting American offshore energy production.

Today's hearing featured testimony from local experts and leaders in the offshore energy industry who shared their knowledge on the issues around expanding offshore energy development. They highlighted the need for increased domestic energy production and the benefits this increase will have for Americans across the country.