U.S. Reps. Pete Stauber (R-MN) and U.S. Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA) recently introduced legislation to restart onshore and offshore oil, gas, and coal leasing, streamline permitting for energy infrastructure, and ensure transparency in energy development on federal lands.
“When passed, the bill will limit frivolous litigation against much-needed mining, energy, and infrastructure projects, encourage American miners to mine and American energy producers to produce, and allow for building projects like transmission lines, which are needed for our energy grid,” Rep. Stauber said on March 6.
“Why are more and more Americans unable to afford groceries, utility bills, refueling cars and other necessities? Why are we dependent on other countries that hate America for the same products and resources that we have right here in America?” said Rep. Graves. “This bill works to address these problems and more.”
Rep. Stauber and Rep. Graves on March 3 signed on as original cosponsors of the Transparency, Accountability, Permitting, and Production of (TAPP) American Resources Act, H.R. 1335, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR).
If enacted, H.R. 1335 would require the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to immediately resume quarterly lease sales on federal lands, with a minimum of four lease sales per year required in onshore states with eligible lands, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
Additionally, H.R. 1335 would require the publication of the 2023-2028 plan for offshore oil and gas lease sales and sets deadlines for publishing future five-year plans; repeal royalties and fee increases imposed on energy production; and require the DOI to process Applications for Permit to Drill fees under a valid existing lease, regardless of any unrelated civil action, the summary says.
H.R. 1335 also would end the existing moratorium on new coal leasing, among several other provisions.
“We have the opportunity to help folks and address these critical problems plaguing our communities,” said Rep. Graves. “It’s up to our colleagues on the other side of the aisle to join us or explain why they oppose more domestic energy production, more jobs, more traffic solutions, and more resilient communities.”
H.R. 1335 also contains the Permitting for Mining Needs (PERMIT-MN) Act of 2023, H.R. 209, which Rep. Stauber sponsored on Jan. 9 with 16 Republican original cosponsors, including Rep. Graves and U.S. Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), and Tom Emmer (R-MN), to improve the permitting process for mining on federal land.
“No longer should America be reliant on China when we have the greatest resources and workforce in the world,” said Rep. Stauber. “Let’s pass the TAPP American Resources Act, secure our domestic supply chains, and restore American energy dominance.”