Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On May 11, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced the cancellation of offshore lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska. Vice Chairs of the Congressional Western Caucus blasted the decision, which will severely impact domestic energy development at a time when U.S. gas prices are at an all-time high:
 
“On President Biden’s first day in office he launched his assault on American oil and gas production and set the American people up for the highest gas prices on record,” said Vice Chair Doug LaMalfa (CA-01). “The American people are struggling, but instead of trying to alleviate this, he doubled down and just cancelled these massive oil and gas lease sales. Biden previously promised to do everything he can to shield Americans from ‘pain at the pump.’ Amid another high gas price record, we’re still waiting for action. Put Americans first; end the freeze on pending leases, green light domestic production and drive down costs.”
 
"As Americans face skyrocketing prices at the gas pump and rampant price inflation for essentials, like groceries, it is alarming that the Biden Administration would propose $1 billion in new spending that will only exacerbate President Biden’s inflation and energy crises and sink our nation further into debt,” said Vice Chair Bruce Westerman (AR-04). “Ironically, this new billion-dollar government spending program was announced the day before the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that inflation hit a 40-year high of 8.5 percent in March 2022. Specifically, the price of gas rose 48 percent in the past year, due in large part to the Biden Administration’s energy-killing policies and harmful overregulation. Moreover, the Biden Administration’s repeated failings to maximize domestic energy production not only hurts our national security and economy, but also jeopardizes funding for numerous conservation programs reliant on fossil fuel revenues. It is troubling that instead of ensuring the longevity of these existing conservation programs, this administration is now creating new, vaguely defined spending programs."
 
"The Biden Administration's announcement that they will cancel new offshore oil and gas production approaches levels of irresponsibility and reckless stupidity never seen before,” said Vice Chair Garret Graves (LA-06). “We are paying record prices for gasoline and to heat and cool our homes. Rather than using American energy sources to help solve the problem and lower prices, the Biden Administration continues to carry out policies that only benefit Russia, China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, and other apparent allies of this White House. It is past time for the administration to put Americans first. This is the only administration in modern history to not issue lands and waters for oil and gas production. Not only is this illegal, but it is hurting families across the country."
 
“The Biden Administration’s cancellation of oil and gas lease sales is an unfathomable move as our country deals with historically high gas prices and an unprecedented energy crisis,” said Vice Chair Andy Biggs (AZ-05).  “It is obvious President Biden doesn’t fill up his own gas tank and is disconnected from the impact of high gas prices on families’ budgets. It’s all but certain President Biden will blame President Trump, Republicans, and Vladimir Putin for the results of his reckless decision. Policies have consequences. President Biden’s energy policies are bringing major economic consequences for all Americans.”
 
“The Administration’s energy policy continues to be deeply misguided,” said Vice Chair Liz Cheney (WY-AL). “Right now, with gas prices on the rise and the need to isolate Russia globally, the United States should be an arsenal of energy for the world. We need to be doing everything in our power to increase our domestic production of energy, which includes expanding leases and permits for oil and gas on federal lands in Wyoming, and not cancelling lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska.”
 
“Democrats continue to ignore gas price increases by catering to their radical activist base and canceling leases in the Gulf of Mexico and the Cook Inlet in Alaska,” said Vice Chair Pete Stauber (MN-08). “As the top Republican on the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee, I will continue to fight policies from Democrats like this that actually harm our fuel supply chains. Once again, look at their actions and not their words. Democrats continue to implement policies that make everyday life for Americans harder and more expensive.”