WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) issued the following statement after voting in support and helping secure House passage of H.R.1 – the Lower Energy Costs Act:
“For the past two years, American energy has suffered under President Biden. His policies halted new domestic energy production, resulting in the U.S. relying on foreign adversaries like Russia and Iran for oil, and sent gas prices soaring to a new record high for American families. House Republicans made a commitment to America to prioritize affordable, domestically produced energy and offer real solutions to our nation’s energy crisis. I’m thrilled on the House passage of the Lower Energy Costs Act which will increase U.S. energy production, reform energy permitting processes, roll back the natural gas tax, and expand domestic production of critical minerals. I’m proud to support this legislation to unleash American energy production and independence, strengthen our national security, and lower gas prices for Americans.”
H.R.1 – the Lower Energy Costs Act, provides for the exploration, development, importation, and exportation of energy resources. The bill:
(1) Streamlines environmental review and permitting processes and sets timeline requirements to prevent endless delays;
(2) Eliminates certain restrictions on the import and export of oil and natural gas;
(3) Prohibits the President from declaring a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing;
(4) Directs the Department of the Interior to conduct sales for leasing of oil and gas resources on federal lands and waters as specific by the bill; and
(5) Limits the authority of the President and executive agencies to restrict or delay the development of energy on federal land.
Prior to House passage, Congressman Wittman spoke in support of H.R.1 on the House floor. To watch his full remarks, click here.
