Washington, DC – Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) has signed on as an original cosponsor to H.R.218, the Saving America’s Energy Future Act. This legislation, which was introduced on Wednesday by Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), prohibits the Biden administration from declaring a moratorium on issuing new oil and gas permits for drilling on federal lands.
Also joining as cosponsors are Reps: Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Yvette Herrell (NM-2), Brian Babin (TX-36), Chip Roy (TX-21), Dan Crenshaw (TX-2), Pat Fallon (TX-4), and Jodey Arrington (TX-19).
“It’s no secret that Nancy Pelosi and the Biden Administration are going to do everything they can to hamper Texas’ energy industry,” said Congressman Gonzales. “We need to be doing everything in our power to protect these blue-collar jobs across the 23rd District. I’m looking forward to working with Congressman Pfluger to move forward this measure that will block Democrats from issuing a moratorium on new oil and gas leases and drill permits on federal lands.”
“My primary concern in Congress is to protect our oil and gas industry from the radical Democrats who will soon control the House, Senate, and White House,” said Congressman Pfluger. “President-Elect Joe Biden campaigned on the promise to shut down drilling on all federal lands and phase out fossil fuels. This, in conjunction with ludicrous policies like the Green New Deal, could mean the end to our oil and gas industry and the American economy as we know it. The Permian Basin produces over 40% of our nation’s energy. This is clean, affordable, reliable energy that powers our nation, heats our homes, and allows us to defend ourselves. Energy security is national security, and nothing could be more important.”
The Permian Basin is the largest oil producing region in the United States and home to over 200,000 jobs directly supported by the industry.
United States natural gas and oil production has lifted over 1 billion people out of poverty over the last ten years. The U.S. has also reduced the six key harmful pollutants by 77% since 1970 (the cleanest on record), despite an energy increase of 48% due to a 285% increase in the GDP, a 60% population growth, and a 195% increase in miles traveled.
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