Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today supported legislation to expand onshore domestic energy production by establishing an efficient and responsible process for producing energy on federal lands.  H.R. 1965, the Federal Lands Jobs and Energy Security Act of 2013, aims to reverse recent declines in domestic oil and natural gas production on federal lands, creating jobs and moving our nation closer to energy independence.  The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 228-192.

“Achieving energy independence must be one of the top priorities for Congress.  The issue directly impacts our economy and our national security; it is not in our best interest to depend on other nations for sources of energy,” said Simpson.  “Energy production on federal lands—both renewable and conventional—makes up an important part of our domestic energy portfolio.  Unfortunately, since President Obama took office in 2009, oil production on federal land has dropped 7.8%, and natural gas production has gone down 21%.  Our current policies have us pointed in the wrong direction.  Thankfully, H.R. 1965 helps to put us back on course.”

H.R. 1965 would:

• Strengthen domestic energy security by requiring the Secretary of Interior to develop and implement a comprehensive all-of-the-above energy plan;
• Reform the leasing process for onshore oil and gas projects to encourage timely and responsible permitting of onshore energy projects;
• Create jobs and expand domestic energy production by encouraging development of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska;
• Modernize the bidding process for federal onshore oil and gas leases by allowing the BLM to conduct Internet-based auctions; and
• Enable Native American tribes to develop energy resources on their own land.

H.R. 1965 is now under consideration by the U.S. Senate.