Republican leaders of two House panels are launching an investigation into the Biden administration’s fossil fuel leasing practices in response to a leaked memo about energy security. The memo recommended that energy companies be charged a royalty rate of 18.75% for a large oil and gas lease sale in Alaska, which would be the highest allowable rate under the law.
The Republicans sent a letter to a senior Department of the Interior official informing her of the investigation. The letter criticized DOI’s continued delays in oil and gas leasing and Laura Daniel-Davis’ decision to prioritize climate considerations over energy security.
The Republicans believe that the Biden administration is obstructing America’s energy producers in an effort to force a radical Green New Deal agenda on the American people. They argue that the Democrats’ war against the oil and gas industry has driven energy prices higher and is hurting families across the country.
Comer stated that instead of pushing the administration’s climate agenda, the DOI should be prioritizing economic development and American energy security. The Republicans believe that Congress must ensure DOI is fulfilling its responsibility to advance policies that unleash American energy production and strengthen an industry that provides good-paying job opportunities.
