Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of the Interior and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s failure to fulfill the commitment made under oath by Secretary Deb Haaland to release a proposed plan for the National Offshore Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program by June 30:  
 
“Just six weeks ago, Secretary Haaland testified before Congress that she would fulfill her legal obligation to publish a five-year offshore leasing plan. The deadline came and went; we have no plan,” said Chairman Newhouse. “The absence of a leasing plan and lack of accountability from this Administration only perpetuates the ongoing energy crisis and record-high gas prices facing Americans. We have the energy we need here in the United States, and we must develop it. President Biden, Secretary Haaland, and this Administration are not fulfilling their duties, and they are failing the American people.”
 
On May 19, the same day she testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Secretary Haaland released a statementreaffirming her commitment to releasing a proposed offshore leasing plan.
 
The current five-year leasing program expired on June 30, 2022. The only offshore lease sale conducted by the Biden Administration, Lease Sale 257, was developed under the 2017-2022 leasing plan and was vacated by a federal court. The Biden Administration chose not to appeal the decision.
 
On March 10, 2022, Chairman Newhouse, Vice Chair Bruce Westerman (AR-04), and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) led 64 Members in sending a letter to Secretary Haaland and BOEM Director Lefton to urge the prioritization of the five-year offshore leasing plan. Click here to read more.