FILE PHOTO: An oil rig. Photo by WORKSITE Ltd. on Unsplash
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Blake Moore (R-Dist.1) has introduced the Protecting American Energy Act to lower gas prices.
Moore says that the proposed legislation will also protect and promote American energy independence.
“If the Biden administration is so sure that unleashing domestic energy production would not solve our skyrocketing gas prices and national security concerns,” Moore challenges, “Americans deserve to know why.”
Within weeks of taking office, President Joe Biden fulfilled a campaign promise by restricting domestic energy production.
Using presidential directives, Biden unilaterally imposed an energy moratorium on new leasing and permitting on public lands; canceled the Keystone XL Pipeline; implemented burdensome regulations on the energy industry; made recommendations on rising costs under the Federal Oil and Gas Leasing Program; and more.
In January 2021, the average cost for a gallon of gasoline in the United States was $2.42.
Thanks to Biden’s meddling, Moore says, the average cost of a gallon of gasoline is now $4.56 and climbing.
“We need answers now,” Moore insists.
The Protecting American Energy Act, the congressman says, will ensure that domestic energy production will continue without political interference. It will also hold the Biden administration accountable for its unwillingness to work with domestic energy producers on solutions to the crippling energy crisis.
Specifically, the proposed legislation would require the creation of an annual report to Congress outlining detailed information about American energy capacity, production and consumption.
By requiring certification that withdrawing land from being available for mineral leasing will not have a negative impact on domestic energy independence, it will protect American energy from political interference.
In order to expand transparency, Moore says, the bill would also require the secretaries of the U.S. departments of Interior, Defense, Commerce, Energy and State to report how current events might impact America’s energy needs.
Moore’s proposal has strong support from energy producers, including the U.S. Oil and Gas Association, the Independent Association of Drilling Contractors and the Energy Workforce and Technology Council.
“American energy production and security should not be a political football,” says Kathleen Sgamma, president of the Western Energy Alliance. “WEA strongly supports Congressman Moore’s bill because it provides clarity from Congress that America is serious about increasing domestic energy production.”
Realistically, the Protecting American Energy Act was little chance of passing in the Democrat-controlled U.S. House of Representatives, particularly with a midterm election on the horizon.
But Moore is fighting for his political life after a poor showing at the Republican state nominating convention on April 23.
After three rounds of balloting, former civilian intelligence officer Andrew Badger narrowly missed capturing the nomination with 59.2 percent of the ballots cast as opposed to Moore’s 40.7 percent.
Moore will now face off against Badger and former Morgan County commissioner Tina Cannon in the June 28 Republican primary voting.
Cannon had already secured a spot on the primary ballot by collecting signatures.
The Western Energy Alliance exists to promote the exploration and production of oil and natural gas in the western United States. It also defends the ability of its members to continue to provide the benefits of oil and natural gas to America and the world.