WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) today voted in favor of legislation to unlock Virginia’s offshore energy resources and create jobs in the Commonwealth. The House passed H.R. 2231, the Offshore Energy and Jobs Act, which would require the Secretary of Interior to conduct a Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) lease sale in Virginia, as well as South Carolina and Southern California. It would also establish revenue-sharing with states, an important component that will return millions of dollars to the Commonwealth.
“Delays continue to prevent the creation of thousands of good paying jobs – two thousand jobs in Virginia alone – and around $19.5 billion in federal, state and local revenue,” Wittman said. “This bill is common sense: it unlocks natural resources to increase our nation’s energy independence in a safe manner, while creating opportunity for employees and families across the Commonwealth. Energy exploration off Virginia’s shores has bipartisan support, and I urge the Senate to swiftly pass companion legislation.”
The bill also requires the Secretary of Interior to develop a new 5-year oil and gas leasing program that focuses on areas with the greatest potential resources and seeks to meet production goals that align with U.S. need. H.R. 2231 creates a new revenue sharing formula to be phased in for coastal states, an important measure for Virginia. After the new revenue sharing formula is completely phased in, it will grant a 37.5% portion of the revenues received by the U.S. to all coastal states within 200 miles of leased track, dividing the proceeds among the states in relation to their proximity to the leased track. It also establishes a new Under Secretary of Energy, Land, and Minerals to oversee all offshore and onshore energy operations, ensuring that energy production is prioritized within the Department of the Interior. Finally, H.R. 2231 authorizes for ten years the existing inspection fees imposed for offshore drilling, providing for adjustments in accordance with the Consumer Price Index. Other fee increases must be approved by Congress.
Wittman has led previous efforts to encourage the Administration to reconsider its decision to ban energy development off the coast of Virginia, while insisting on coordination with the military to ensure their continuity of operations.
Wittman has long been an advocate for American energy exploration in Virginia, supporting multiple pieces of congressional legislation to open up domestic resources. He is also an advocate for renewable energy, including offshore wind, supporting an all-of-the-above energy policy.
Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee, where he is a member of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs, and the Subcommittee on Energy and Minerals Resources. He also serves on the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.
