Graves seeks to ‘make America energy independent again’

Legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) aims to activate American energy production and infrastructure by eliminating bureaucratic hurdles, empowering the energy sector to innovate, and expanding access to federal lands and waters for responsible energy development.

“We need to make America energy independent again,” said Rep. Graves, ranking member of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “We have all the tools to do it — the Biden administration just lacks the willpower to get the job done.”

Rep. Graves on Sept. 29 introduced the Transparency and Production of (TAP) American Energy Act, H.R. 9087, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) to restart onshore and offshore oil and gas leasing, streamline permitting for energy infrastructure, and ensure transparency in energy development on federal lands, according to the text of the bill.

“The TAP American Energy Act will enact commonsense reforms to streamline critical pipeline and energy infrastructure approvals, jumpstart American energy production, and restore American energy independence — regardless of who is in the White House,” Rep. Graves said. “This is a blueprint for how we can lower gas prices, strengthen our energy grid, and fight the rising cost of living in this country.”

If enacted, H.R. 9087 would prevent any U.S. president from imposing bans on federal energy leasing and mineral withdrawals without congressional approval and require the U.S. Department of the Interior to immediately resume quarterly lease sales on federal lands with a minimum of four lease sales taken each year in each state with eligible lands, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Graves’ office.

Among several provisions, H.R. 9087 also would require environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for all forms of energy development to be completed within one and two years, respectively, and would amend the Geothermal Steam Act to require a yearly lease sale for geothermal energy, the summary says.

“American families have been on the front lines of dealing with the Biden administration’s failed energy policies,” Rep. Westerman said. “It’s time to reverse this downward trajectory and become fully energy independent.”