Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) issued the following statement on a U.S. District Court Judge's ruling to issue a preliminary injunction on President Biden's ban on oil and gas leases on public lands and waters:

"Within the first few days of his presidency and by the simple stroke of a pen, President Biden eliminated thousands of jobs, prevented millions - potentially billions - of dollars of revenue, and devastated hundreds of rural communities," said Chairman Newhouse. "Yesterday, this reckless act was temporarily remedied. Not only is this a welcomed decision for America and our energy security, but it is also a win for the rule of law. I am thankful our judicial system is providing a check on this extreme and unlawful action taken by the Biden Administration. The Department of the Interior must quickly comply with this decision and bring relief to hundreds of struggling rural communities who rely on oil and natural gas revenues." 

Background:

On January 26, the Department of the Interior imposed a 60-day moratorium on oil and gas leasing, drilling permits, and lease extensions on federal land. That 60-day moratorium, issued just days after President Biden took office, was extended indefinitely, negatively impacting rural communities and threatening America's energy security.

On June 15, Judge Terry Doughtry of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana issued a preliminary injunction, effectively halting the Biden Administration's ban on new oil and gas leases on federal public lands. The scope of the preliminary injunction applies nationwide.

Earlier this year, the Congressional Western Caucus hosted a virtual series titled, "Biden's Executive Disorder: An Attack on American Energy," highlighting the impacts of the moratorium on local communities throughout the United States. Click here to watch.