U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) recently cosponsored a bill that would prohibit new federal rules or regulations from being enacted that would decrease production of domestic oil, gas or biofuels; increase gas prices; or negatively impact domestic energy production, domestic electricity generation, transmission of fuel or electricity, infrastructure development, or transportation fuels.
“This bill will ensure that President Biden puts Americans first, instead of overregulating the very industry that can reduce gas prices,” said Rep. Newhouse, chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus.
The prohibitions under the Gas Prices Relief Act of 2022, H.R. 7324, would remain in place until Jan. 1, 2023, or until gas prices fall below $2.60 per gallon, according to the text of the bill.
“Banning Russian imports of oil and gas was the right move,” Rep. Newhouse said. “Now, we must increase domestic development and strengthen our all-of-the-above energy portfolio.”
Rep. Newhouse is one of seven original Republican cosponsors of H.R. 7324 along with U.S. Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Ron Estes (R-KS), and Pete Stauber (R-MN). The bill is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN).
The lawmakers have repeatedly called on the Biden administration to strengthen American energy independence by increasing domestic energy development and ensuring a reliable supply chain of critical minerals needed for clean energy technologies and domestic manufacturing, according to information provided by Rep. Newhouse’s office.
Earlier last month, for instance, the congressman joined more than 65 of his colleagues in sending a March 9 letter to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Director Amanda Lefton to urge the prioritization of the National Offshore Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program.
In their letter, the members expressed disappointment in the administration’s refusal to appeal the court decision which vacated Lease Sale 257, the only offshore lease sale held since President Biden took office.