Moore unveils bill to unleash domestic energy production

U.S. Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT) recently sponsored legislation that would promote meeting domestic energy needs with domestic energy production.

The Protecting American Energy Act, H.R. 7848, aims to lower gas prices and protect and promote American energy independence, according to a bill summary provided by the congressman’s staff. 

“If the Biden administration is so sure unleashing domestic energy production would not solve our skyrocketing gas prices and national security concerns, Americans deserve to know why,” Rep. Moore said on May 19. “We need answers now.”

If enacted, H.R. 7848 would require the creation of an annual report outlining detailed information about American energy capacity, production and consumption, the summary says. 

Additionally, the bill would require certification that withdrawing land from being available for mineral leasing will not have a negative impact on domestic energy independence, and also would require the secretaries of the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Commerce Department, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. State Department to report on how current events might impact America’s energy needs, according to the summary.  

“The Protecting American Energy Act will ensure that domestic energy production can continue without political interference,” said Rep. Moore, “and hold the administration accountable as we seek to understand their unwillingness to work with domestic energy producers on solutions to our crippling energy crises.” 

H.R. 7848 has garnered support from the U.S. Oil and Gas Association, the Independent Association of Drilling Contractors, the Western Energy Alliance, and the Energy Workforce and Technology Council.