Press Releases

Washington, D.C. (December 18, 2012) – Western Caucus Vice-Chairman for Energy, Cory Gardner (R-CO), released the following statement in response to news from the Department of the Interior regarding onshore oil and gas lease sales:

“While this recent upward swing in leasing is a positive trend, it only tells part of the story.  The route for project approval under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is arduous, and it unnecessarily delays oil and gas production on already leased lands.  Over the last few years, the NEPA process has only gotten worse by lengthening into a multi-year, multi-million dollar debacle that is rife with protests and litigation. 

“The fact also remains that oil production has decreased on federal lands by 14% under the Obama Administration.  Despite efforts from the Administration to slow it down with regulatory burdens, energy development on private lands in places like the Niobrara in Colorado and the Bakken in North Dakota is responsible for the recent boost in domestic oil and natural gas production.  Rather than high-fiving themselves for oil production completely outside of their control, the Department of Interior should work with the Western Caucus to find ways to clear regulatory hurdles for conventional fuels just as they have done for renewables.”

A study done by the Western Energy Alliance in October 2012 shows that there are currently 25,177 proposed wells on federal lands that have been delayed for over three years by the government, preventing 67,321 jobs, $4.5 billion in wages, and $15.4 billion in economic impact every year.  Entering its 20th year, the Congressional Western Caucus seeks to advance the cause of responsible energy development on public lands.