Today, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman testified before the House Committee on Rules in support of three joint resolutions: H.J. Res. 104, H.J. Res. 105, and H.J. Res. 106.
In his prepared remarks, Westerman expressed concerns about resource management plans (RMPs) finalized by the Biden administration’s Bureau of Land Management. According to Westerman, these RMPs have restricted access to 29 million acres of land and mineral estates across Montana, North Dakota, and Alaska.
“The RMPs halted leasing, exploration and energy production,” Westerman stated. He warned that this could threaten grid reliability nationwide during times of high demand and extreme weather.
Westerman emphasized the need for a balanced approach to public land management, highlighting that “responsible energy development and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive.”
The resolutions aim to reverse various restrictions imposed by the previous administration:
– H.J. Res. 104 targets a coal leasing ban in Montana’s Powder River Basin.
– H.J. Res. 105 addresses blocked development in North Dakota affecting coal reserves and oil and gas acreage.
– H.J. Res. 106 seeks to lift restrictions on lands in Alaska for projects like the Ambler Access Project and the Alaska LNG Pipeline.
These measures align with several executive orders from former President Trump aimed at promoting energy independence.
Westerman thanked Representatives Downing, Fedorchak, and Begich for their leadership on these resolutions.
“I urge the Committee to report an appropriate rule so these resolutions can be considered in the House,” he concluded.
