“Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives are preparing to introduce a sweeping energy proposal … after one committee, led by Arkansas Rep. Bruce Westerman, advanced a key component related to project permits and lease sales involving federal lands.
“The House Natural Resources Committee advanced the TAPP American Resources Act on [March 9] in a 24-19 vote along party lines…
“The committee’s action is an important step for House Republicans as legislators look to fulfill the energy independence item of their Commitment to America legislative agenda. The TAPP American Resources Act is one of multiple bills making up the Lower Energy Costs Act, an extensive package addressing domestic energy production..
“The TAPP American Resources Act — itself the combination of various energy measures — would require the Department of the Interior to resume quarterly onshore and offshore lease sales involving energy development projects and end the moratorium on new coal leases. It streamlines the permitting process for projects by reducing reviews given low-impact actions and establishing deadlines of one year for completing a project’s environmental assessment and two years for issuing an analysis of a project’s environmental impact….
“The proposal also would repeal increased royalty rates and fees affecting oil and natural gas development; the Inflation Reduction Act that Congress passed last August raised these rates, which Westerman argues will raise prices for consumers.
“Westerman described the TAPP American Resources Act as legislation to “unleash the full potential of domestic energy” while addressing committee members last week.
“Projects in every industry — from wind turbines to offshore oil platforms — undergo years of duplicative, burdensome reviews which keep shovel-ready projects and American jobs on a holding pattern,” the Hot Springs Republican said. “If projects are not approved to build, then jobs and livelihoods remain in limbo indefinitely.”
READ MORE about the legislation and Westerman’s role at ArkansasOnline.com