The Republican-led House recently approved the 'Protecting American Energy Production Act,' a measure aimed at preventing future administrations from imposing bans on oil and gas drilling without congressional consent. The bill prohibits the president from declaring a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing without authorization from Congress.
During the vote, all Republican House members supported the legislation, while 118 Democrats opposed it. The bill was introduced in response to concerns over potential fracking bans under the Biden administration, particularly following actions taken by former President Joe Biden to restrict oil and gas drilling in coastal and offshore waters.
Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, the bill's sponsor, emphasized the need to counter what he described as the Biden administration's efforts to hinder American energy production. Pfluger stated that the legislation is a crucial step in reversing what he termed as Biden's 'war on energy.'
President Donald Trump's commitment to promoting American energy independence, as part of his 'drill, baby, drill' agenda, has been a driving force behind the bill. If signed into law, the legislation would prevent future administrations from banning hydraulic fracturing.
In a related development, Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum recently announced the reversal of climate policies and oil lease bans implemented during the Biden administration. The Interior Department has initiated internal investigations into actions that were perceived to impede energy development.
