Dear Representatives Cuellar, Fletcher, Gonzalez, and Veasey: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce thanks you for your leadership in standing up for the economic and security benefits that come from energy production on federal lands. Millions of families rely on the oil and gas industry for rewarding careers. Much as it did during the Great Recession, this industry is poised to catalyze economic growth and job creation as our economy recovers from the pandemic. Your recent letter to President Biden makes clear that his decision to indefinitely ban energy leasing on federal waters and lands is harmful.
Federal lands and waters account for 22% of total U.S. oil production and 12% of natural gas production. President Biden’s action has already produced a chilling effect on job growth in the offshore and onshore industry at a point when over 10 million more Americans are jobless than this time last year.