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House Natural Resources National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Chairman Rob Bishop (UT-01) praised the Department of Interior for approving 3600 newnatural gas wells in Uintah County, Utah.

“Natural gas is an important part of our nation’s diverse energy portfolio, providing millions of Americans with clean, safe, affordable energy.  At a time when energy prices remain volatile and Americans are struggling to make ends meet, it is nonsensical to ignore the abundant opportunities for responsible energy development that exist in Utah. This is good news for Utah and undoubtedly provides a glimmer of hope that all is not lost with this Administration’s policies on public land use. However, more can and should be done.  As a starter, the Administration should halt the implementation of onerous new hydraulic fracturing regulations that will impede development on all new leases, including those approved today by Secretary Salazar.  Regulatory oversight of hydraulic fracturing has been conducted successfully by states for several decades and there is little or no evidence to suggest that the federal government can do it better.  Utah is still working to regain lost ground from the cancellation of 77 leases, and these new leases will be an important part of those recovery efforts with regards to jobs and revenue upon which the state and many communities rely.”

Last week, the DOI established new regulations and mandates regarding the use of hydraulic fracturing during the extraction of petroleum and natural gas. The new regulations will apply to all new leases on federal lands.