The Republican-led House passed legislation on Friday to block future administrations from enacting bans on oil and gas drilling without congressional approval. The “Protecting American Energy Production Act” would prohibit the president from declaring a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing unless Congress authorizes it.
The bill was introduced by Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, in response to concerns over potential fracking bans under the Biden administration, particularly after Biden enacted several regulations on oil and gas during his term, including banning drilling in 625 million acres of coastal and offshore waters before leaving office.
In the vote, 118 Democrats opposed the legislation, while Republican members unanimously supported it. Pfluger criticized Biden’s approach to energy production, saying it waged a “war on American energy” and catered to environmental extremists.
The bill, if signed into law, would prevent future administrations from restricting hydraulic fracturing. Meanwhile, on Monday, Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum took action by stripping energy sector regulations and launching investigations into policies he argued burden energy development.
