The U.S. House of Representatives approved a key piece of legislation today that energy industry experts say will help facilitate the development of more domestic oil and gas. The seven bills require the U.S. Department of Energy secretary to develop a plan for more leasing options on federal land. The bills will also streamline the federal drilling permit process and also require more in-depth analysis of the impact from certain EPA rules and actions regarding gasoline, diesel fuel and natural gas prices.
Other bills included within the package require the U.S. Interior and Agriculture secretaries to prepare a new federal onshore energy production strategy every four year to guide leasing plans. A timeline will also be established to ensure all permits are promptly dealt with.
Proponents of the bill say the measures ensure harmful regulations are not implemented. Those against the measures see it as a “giveaway” to the oil and gas industry and believe the use of public land will dilute federal environmental regulations.