Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, including a provision from Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02), the Restore Onshore Energy Production Act. This provision would require the Biden Administration immediately resume onshore oil and gas lease sales in compliance with the Mineral Leasing Act.

“The Biden Administration’s attack on domestic energy crippled our economy and national security. Resuming onshore oil and gas lease sales will not only lower the cost of energy for American families and businesses, but it will also allow us to compete with China and strengthen supply chains,” said Rep. Rosendale. “Restoring our nation’s energy dominance will require an all-of-the-above approach – the Lower Energy Costs Act will spur the responsible development of domestic energy and minerals across the country.”

Watch Rep. Rosendale’s remarks during the H.R. 1 floor debate.

Download the video here.

“This legislation is about cutting through bureaucracy and fighting the radical environmentalist agenda to allow our energy sector to get back to work for the American people,” Rep. Rosendale said during the floor debate.

Rosendale also penned an op-ed in the Missoulian that details the impact that H.R. 1 would have on Montanans. Read it here.

Key Background:

In January 2021, President Biden imposed a moratorium on federal onshore and offshore lease sales, which the courts subsequently ruled to be illegal. The Biden administration was forced to repeal such actions but still has not issued a single new lease sale to date. The current conflict in Eastern Europe and increased tensions with China highlight the consequences of relying on foreign adversaries for energy imports and expose the need for the United States to return to energy independence.