Republicans Introduce Bill to Keep American Energy First

Statement

Today, Ranking Republican of House Natural Resources Committee Rob Bishop (R-Utah), Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) and U.S. Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) released the following statements on the introduction of the American Energy First Act, which will overhaul federal lands energy policy. The legislation is a truly all-of-the-above approach to American energy development, encouraging the efficient onshore and offshore production of both conventional and renewable energy resources. Federal regulations have burdened ener­gy development on federal lands and waters for far too long, and this legislation aims to put American Energy First and ensure economic growth and domestic energy security for decades to come.

"As we endeavor to secure American energy independence, we must responsibly avail ourselves of the resources required. The American Energy First Act creates a comprehensive structure with which we can lessen our energy dependence on our would-be adversaries. The sustained expansion of American energy resources will stimulate job growth, boost our economy, and most importantly, mitigate the vulnerabilities that come from our reliance on foreign energy sources.

"Democrats are spinning their wheels promoting a trio of empty measures that serve only to pander. Their abhorrence of self-sufficiency is evidence of their belief that political points are more valuable than American prosperity. It is heartening to know that their obstructionist efforts will likely find no support beyond the toothless messaging votes cast by House Democrats." -- Ranking Republican Rob Bishop (R-Utah)

"Our federal lands and waters have abundant natural resources that we are capable of harnessing in a safe and environmentally-conscious way. Through streamlining regulations and opening more areas to energy exploration, we can create thousands of new high-paying jobs, generate billions of dollars for local communities, and lower energy costs for American families and small businesses. By encouraging not just conventional energy development, but renewable and alternative sources like geothermal, wind, and solar, the American Energy First Act is an all-of-the-above solution that truly puts all American energy first. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this important bill, and encourage all members to help us advance this sensible energy policy." - Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.)

"Costly government barriers and excessive permitting delays have impeded the efficient production of energy for too long. While Democrats are being driven by their radical base to outlaw forms of affordable energy that families rely on, I was pleased to work with Reps. Scalise and Bishop on this bill which will end unnecessary overreach from Washington bureaucrats, and enable states to manage energy production on lands within their borders. Going forward, I'll continue to fight for the best interest of energy producers and consumers so costs are kept low and access to resources remains abundant. I'll also fight against the absurd Green New Deal, and the efforts by Democrats to upend our economic system and abolish the energy industry our families and nation rely on." -- Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.)

"The only responsible energy policy is one that is truly all-of-the-above. America is rich with energy resources, and developing them will create jobs, strengthen our economy, and protect our national security. I look forward to supporting this common-sense piece of legislation that puts America first." - U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.)

"An all-of-the-above energy matrix is exactly what our nation needs in order to deliver affordable, efficient, and clean energy. That's why the introduction of this bill is so important, especially during a week where the Democrat-led House is considering legislation that would limit U.S. energy production and undermine our security and economy. I'm proud to support an energy package which enhances and incentivizes domestic energy production to continue the American energy renaissance." - U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.)

"Americans want dependable, efficient energy at a price they can afford. An all-of-the-above energy strategy accomplishes that goal while also providing good-paying jobs and growing our economy. We have an abundance of energy resources right here at home and we are able to harness them in a safe, environmentally-conscious way. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill that will move us towards an energy strategy that works for all Americans and makes us energy independent." -- U.S. Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.)

"The United States is filled with an abundance of natural resources. My own congressional district in Louisiana is home to one of the largest natural gas reserves in the country. We have the means to use those God-given resources to create jobs, foster economic growth and pave the way to an era of American energy dominance. However, oppressive policies and excessive government regulations from previous administrations have been our own worst enemy, forcing us to rely on hostile, foreign nations to meet our energy demands. I'm proud to join Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Ut.), Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wy.) and many of my other colleagues in supporting a bill that puts America first, enabling innovation and growth in energy businesses throughout Louisiana and the country." -- U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.)

"Very frankly, energy independence is not only an economic issue, but a national security issue. I would like to thank my friends Natural Resources Republican Leader Rob Bishop, Republican Whip Steve Scalise, and Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney for their continued leadership in the area of American energy development. This bill is important to keeping our country strong and secure, and I am particularly pleased with its directive that the Secretary of the Interior determines which lands within the National Petroleum Reserve should be open for resource development. This bill also establishes revenue sharing for Alaskans from oil and gas produced on Alaska's outer continental shelf. Our state plays a major role in creating American energy dominance, and I will keep working to ensure that Alaska is open for business." - U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Ala.)

"Efforts to increase our Nation's energy independence should include Puerto Rico and the other U.S. territories. I'm glad the American Energy First Act incorporates H.R. 1014, the Offshore Wind for Territories Act, bipartisan legislation I introduced to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to study the viability for offshore wind energy development in the Exclusive Economic Zone adjacent to each of the five territories. Importantly, this language would also establish revenue sharing and provide critical funding to protect vulnerable coral reefs." - U.S. Rep. Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colón (R-PR)

"We are responsible for providing realistic proposals to meet our nation's energy needs, and the American Energy First Act is a big step towards filling those needs. Instead of Democrat solutions that move our country toward socialism, this bill is a conservative approach that will decrease rates on low-income Americans while also decreasing carbon emissions. Additionally, this legislation includes my bill's language to streamline the geothermal permitting process for this carbon free energy source, and I am proud to see that initiative moving forward." - U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho)