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Energy & Environment

 

Energy and Environment

Chairman Lamborn and House colleagues outside the National Renewables Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colo.

Every American has been directly affected by the energy crisis. The rising cost of oil necessitates an aggressive plan with meaningful solutions and immediate implementation. Gasoline prices are at an all time high with the potential to rise even higher. As a member of Congress,  it is my duty and priority to support appropriate legislation most responsive to the needs of the American people.  

The most urgent and immediate solution is to ramp up domestic production of oil and gas right now. 
As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources of the House Committee on Natural Resources, I support utilizing the vast resources our nation has to offer. 
 Click here to see Congressman Lamborn's committee activities.
Domestic Energy Production
In February 2012, a bipartisan majority in the House (237 to 187) passed my historic bill, the PIONEERS Act (H.R. 3408). This bill puts America on a path toward energy independence. We need a better energy policy in our country, and this bill is a start. The Obama Administration's no-energy policies have caused energy prices to skyrocket in this country. It is time we begin accessing our vast American energy reserves. This bill ensures we do so in a responsible way, that in the long term, will help increase energy production, and bring down energy costs.
 
The PIONEERS Act would:
Manitou Incline

In August 2012, the House passed my bill helping to clarify the legal status of the popular Manitou Incline hiking trail. 

This bill will remove a centuries-old legal cloud that has been hanging over a portion of the popular hiking trail. Hikers will be able to use it confidently knowing that the trail's safety and beauty will be protected. It will ensure that the Forest Service can professionally manage and maintain the trail. The Manitou Incline is one of the most spectacular hiking trails in the country and loved by locals and tourists alike. It is a treasure unique to Pikes Peak and we want to ensure it is kept up for generations to come.

H.R. 4073, is technical and narrow in scope. It specifically addresses a right-of-way issue with the railway company. It allows for the U.S. Forest Service to accept the railway's relinquishment of their right-of-way. This is necessary based on an 1875 federal law.

 

Other Major Legislative Action from the 112th Congress

Introduced Legislation

 

H.R. 4383 Streamlining Permitting of American Energy Act of 2012

I introduced this bill to streamline government hurdles and regulations that block and delay development of our onshore renewable, oil, and natural gas resources. H.R. 4383 was passed in the House as part of larger energy bill aimed at creating more reliable and effective processes for the planning and permitting of energy on federal lands. Two of the biggest stumbling blocks to energy production and job creation are federal red tape and frivolous lawsuits.

H.R. 4233 Map It Once, Use It Many Times Act

I introduced this bill to help streamline federal bureaucracy dealing with map making. H.R 4233, Map it Once, Use it Many Times Act, would reform, consolidate, and reorganize federal geospatial activities. Currently, more than 40 different federal agencies have geospatial activities. This duplication and overlapping has led to a culture within the federal government of “map it many times and horde the data” whereas it should be to “map it once and use it many times.”

H.R. 2011National Strategic and Critical Minerals Policy Act of 2011

I introduced this bill to help improve our American mineral policy by coordinating a government-wide survey of American mineral resources, demands and factors impacting mineral development, including workforce, permitting and regulations. The United States is blessed with an abundance of these important minerals, and has some of the largest known resources in the world. Yet, despite these resources and the growing need for domestic supplies, American mineral exploration and production has come to a standstill over the last two decades while foreign mineral exploration has exploded.

Cosponsored Legislation

·        H.R.49 - American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act

·        H.R.153 - Ensuring Affordable Energy Act

·        H.R.50 - Multinational Species Conservation Funds Reauthorization Act of 2011

·        H.R.91 - Better Use of Light Bulbs Act

·        H.R.750 - Defending America's Affordable Energy and Jobs Act

·        H.R.758 - National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act

·        H.R.1049 - Regulatory Openness, Accountability, and Disclosure to Jobs Act of 2011

·        H.R.1229 - Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act

·        H.R. 1230 - Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act; Doc Hastings

·        H.R.1231 - Reversing President Obama's Offshore Moratorium Act; Doc Hastings

·        H.R.1287 - Domestic Jobs, Domestic Energy, and Deficit Reduction Act of 2011; Rob Bishop

·        H.R.1581 - Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act of 2011;Rob Bishop

·        H.R.2170 - Cutting Federal Red Tape to Facilitate Renewable Energy Act; Doc Hastings

·        H.R.2171 - Exploring for Geothermal Energy on Federal Lands Act – Raul Labrador

·        H.R.2172 - Utilizing America's Federal Lands for Wind Energy Act – Kristi Noem

·        H.R. 2173 - Advancing Offshore Wind Production Act; Robert Wittman

·        H.R.3548 - North American Energy Access Act; Lee Terry

Water Resources

More and more people are discovering what a great place Colorado is to live and work. As a result, Coloradans are forced to deal with some of the problems caused by rapid population growth.

As we continue to grow, it is essential that we improve our state’s water infrastructure now to meet needs in the future. This should include an expansion of existing dams and reservoirs, and a focus on new storage projects. I have introduced legislation to address some of our regions long-term water storage needs, while working to protect our mountain counties at the same time. I strongly feel a proper balance can be achieved.

I pledge to work with my colleagues to find reasonable solutions to our water issues.

Media
Watch Videos where Congressman Lamborn speaks on energy legislation.