U.S. House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) on July 1 sponsored legislation that would empower states to manage the development and production of oil and gas on available federal land within their borders.
The American Energy First Act, H.R. 4334, which Rep. Scalise sponsored with lead original bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR), also would call for revenues from oil and gas leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf to be distributed to certain coastal states and would promote alternative energy development, according to the congressional record bill summary.
“The American Energy First Act invests in America’s energy future by opening up more areas to energy exploration, encouraging alternative sources of energy like wind, solar and geothermal, and cutting red tape to lower the cost of energy for hard-working families,” Rep. Scalise said.
Part of this exploration, the congressman said, includes establishing a new revenue-sharing program for offshore wind development. “This new system will ensure that states like Louisiana receive our fair share from this emerging domestic industry,” said Rep. Scalise.
Additionally, H.R. 4334 would guarantee that future presidents cannot impose moratoriums on energy production as the Biden administration did earlier this year, he said.
“I hope all members will support this common sense, all-of-the-above energy approach,” Rep. Scalise said.
H.R. 4334 has been endorsed by Archie Chaisson, president of Lafourche Parish; Zachary Hartman, chief policy officer of Ducks Unlimited; the National Ocean Industries Association; the Independent Petroleum Association of America; the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry; the Pontchartrain Conservancy; the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association; Greater New Orleans Inc.; and the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association.