Amid rising energy prices, the Biden administration's restrictions on fossil fuel production on federal lands have triggered a Republican-led congressional investigation, The Washington Free Beacon reported.
The probe by the House Small Business Committee focuses on policies limiting oil and gas drilling across 41 million acres as part of President Biden’s climate strategy.
The House Small Business Committee, chaired by Roger Williams, has begun a formal investigation into the Biden administration's environmental policies. These policies have significantly curtailed oil and gas extraction on federal properties, which encompass areas like Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve and Montana's Powder River Basin.
On Earth Day, President Biden announced specific measures affecting Alaska, shortly after the Department of the Interior implemented a coal leasing ban in Montana. Together, these actions have prohibited energy production on lands equal to the size of Florida.
Recent statistics show a 2.6% rise in gasoline prices over the past month, with similar trends observed in other energy sectors. Critics argue that while these policies aim to combat global warming and protect wildlife, they contribute to inflation and higher prices for consumers.
A moratorium on new fossil fuel leasing, imposed soon after Biden's inauguration, was initially halted by federal courts. However, the administration has persisted with a reduced onshore leasing program and higher royalty fees.
Further tightening its stance, the Biden administration finalized a plan for offshore oil drilling, described as the most restrictive in U.S. history. This plan limits lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and other regions through 2029, despite ongoing legal and political pushbacks.
This series of decisions has drawn considerable criticism, particularly from the Republican members of the House Small Business Committee. They argue that these measures unnecessarily increase costs for American businesses and consumers without delivering substantial environmental benefits.
Chairman Roger Williams has been vocal in his criticism, stating that since President Biden's tenure began, there has been a targeted impact on the oil and gas industry and its supporting small businesses. "Main Street plays a pivotal role in this industry, and our Committee has sent letter after letter urging this administration to consider the needs of American energy independence and the small businesses that play a part in it," Williams stated.
"Unfortunately, our concerns have been largely ignored, but we will not stop in calling out these ridiculous decisions that hurt the American people," he added, urging Biden to reconsider and reverse his policies.
Despite the backlash, the administration maintains that its decisions are necessary steps towards a sustainable environmental future. The measures are intended to significantly reduce the nation's carbon footprint by phasing out dependency on fossil fuels, which are major contributors to global warming.
However, the Department of the Interior has declined to comment directly on the ongoing investigation and criticisms.
In summary, the Biden administration’s environmental policies have led to a significant reduction in domestic oil and gas production, covering an area as large as Florida. This has sparked a probe by the House Small Business Committee, which claims that the policies are economically detrimental without benefiting the environment.
As energy prices continue to rise, the controversy surrounding these decisions is likely to intensify, highlighting a critical debate over America's energy future and environmental responsibility.
