Federal lands energy measure assessed
A group of Republican representatives touted this week the potential benefits of legislation designed to overhaul federal lands energy policy.
Ranking Republican of House Natural Resources Committee Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT) recently joined Republican Whip Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), Republican Conference Chair Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) and Reps. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Jeff Duncan (R-SC) and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) in assessing the American Energy First Act, maintaining the legislation encourages the efficient onshore and offshore production of both conventional and renewable energy resources.
“As we endeavor to secure American energy independence, we must responsibly avail ourselves of the resources required,” Bishop said. “The American Energy First Act creates a comprehensive structure with which we can lessen our energy dependence on our would-be adversaries.”
Bishop said the sustained expansion of American energy resources would stimulate job growth, boost the economy, and mitigate the vulnerabilities from our reliance on foreign energy sources.
“Our federal lands and waters have abundant natural resources that we are capable of harnessing in a safe and environmentally-conscious way,” Scalise said. “Through streamlining regulations and opening more areas to energy exploration, we can create thousands of new high-paying jobs, generate billions of dollars for local communities, and lower energy costs for American families and small businesses. By encouraging not just conventional energy development, but renewable and alternative sources like geothermal, wind, and solar, the American Energy First Act is an all-of-the-above solution that puts all American energy first.”
