House Passes Bill Blocking Future Presidents From Banning Oil Drilling Without Congress’ Approval

The House of Representatives, under Republican leadership, approved the “Protecting American Energy Production Act” with a vote tally of 226 to 188. This legislation aims to restrict future administrations from prohibiting oil and gas drilling without the consent of Congress. Specifically, it bars the president from enacting a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) unless Congress grants authorization. The bill was introduced by Representative August Pfluger of Texas, who raised alarms about the possibility of fracking bans during the Biden administration. This legislative measure is a direct response to former President Biden’s decision to impose a drilling ban across 625 million acres of coastal and offshore waters, which was enacted shortly before he exited office. Pfluger has criticized Biden’s energy policies, asserting that they have negatively impacted American energy production. Should this bill be enacted into law, it would safeguard fracking from any future prohibitions. Furthermore, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has commenced internal evaluations of the Biden administration’s energy policies, with the objective of alleviating restrictions on energy development.