Natural Resources
For the past three and a half years, the Biden-Harris Administration has taken every action imaginable to stifle American energy dominance, including an attempted moratorium on American liquified natural gas (LNG) export permits. Thankfully, a federal court blocked this reckless action. Still, they are dragging their feet and delaying the review and approval of these permits.
As an Arkansan, I was blessed to grow up with endless opportunities to enjoy and recreate in our state's abundant and beautiful natural resources. I believe these opportunities should be shared and enjoyed by all. That's why I've championed the bipartisan Expanding Public Lands and Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act.
Arkansas is known as the Natural State for a reason. It's a world-class destination for all who love to bike, rock climb, hunt, fish, hike, and more. Outdoor recreation is more than just a pastime here; it's part of our heritage. As an Arkansan, my profound love for our lands and outdoor recreation has been foundational in my role as Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee.
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Act (EXPLORE), bipartisan legislation sponsored by Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) to expand outdoor recreation access nationwide.
In 1972, Congress enacted the Clean Water Act to support clean water, healthy communities, and industries throughout our economy. When farmers and ranchers, builders, and manufacturers obtain a permit to start a project, the Clean Water Act is meant to serve as a tool to protect clean water for our nation. Unfortunately, over the years, the federal government has weaponized the Clean Water Act to delay, stall, or block permits for critical energy, transportation infrastructure, and other commercial projects.
In the latest extremist move in their ongoing attack on American energy, the Biden Administration recently announced a decision to halt all pending approvals for liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals. This blatant political move to appease radical climate activists is a major loss for the environment, our economy, the geopolitical landscape, and our national security all wrapped up in one bonehead rule.
In yet another attack on consumer rights, the Biden Administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed an aggressive de facto mandate for two-thirds of all new vehicles to be electric in less than ten years. This ban on the sale of gasoline-powered cars and the mandate for the sale of EVs is just another part of Biden’s radical Green New Deal agenda.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) joined House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves and 68 House Republicans in a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg demanding answers for the Biden Administration’s encouragement of the use of U.S. airports as shelters for illegal migrants.
In part, the members wrote:
The U.S. House of Representatives is back in business. In just three days, we passed appropriations legislation to fund the legislative branch and the Department of the Interior and provide military assistance to Israel, all while reining in reckless government spending and bureaucracy. When the phrase, “power of the purse,” is invoked, the appropriations process is where Congress, and especially the House, has an opportunity to exercise that power.