Energy and Environment

American energy is the fuel that drives our economy and our way of life. That is why I support a free-market, all-of-the-above approach to harness our vast natural resources and keep prices low for American families. Preserving the freedom of every American to pursue happiness through energy production means more jobs, lower gas prices and cheaper home electric bills. By opening more areas for production, rolling back creativity-stifling regulations and reforming our tax code, the federal government can expand the energy renaissance we are already seeing on private lands to public lands across our entire economy. Most importantly, when Americans are free to dream and innovate, they will always find safer, cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient ways to produce and use energy.

In addition to its economic importance, energy is also a national security concern. Energy powers our military domestically and internationally, and we need to ensure that we safeguard energy production to secure our national interest.

As Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on Water, Power, and Oceans, I have worked to pass legislation designed to create the best possible climate for new jobs, lower energy prices, and open up access to responsible energy development on public lands. I have also used this platform, on numerous occasions, to hold administration officials accountable through public hearings, demands for documents, and by issuing subpoenas.

Please visit the Water, Power, and Oceans Subcommittee page for more information about my committee involvement. 

Major Energy Legislation

H.R. 594 - Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act of 2015
I was pleased to cosponsor this important legislation to fight back against the Obama Administration’s regulatory overreach. The Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule expands federal jurisdiction and inserts the federal government into every stream, pond, and ditch in America—even on private property. WOTUS threatens to take away the rights of property owners, kills economic growth, and harms local communities’ ability to regulate their own water use. 

Overriding WOTUS would end this regulatory overreach, preserve Congress’ right to determine the scope of the Clean Water Act, and maintain the successful federal-state partnership to regulate the Nation’s waters. I maintain that states should control the right to regulate their own waters, and I will continue to support efforts to override the president's veto.

H.R. 1644 - STREAM Act
I am pleased to join with my colleague from West Virginia to introduce the Supporting Transparent Regulatory and Environmental Actions in Mining or STREAM Act. This legislation would stop the Interior Department’s Office of Surface Management (OSM) from finalizing its 1,200 plus page politically motivated job-killing “Stream Protection rule” that is designed to cripple the coal industry. The OSM would be prohibited from interpreting existing laws to establish new standards and procedures outside of their explicit jurisdiction.

Comprehensive Mining Legislation
In response to the EPA's failed treatment of the Aminas River spill in 2015, my colleagues and I introduced a series of three bills to help prevent future disasters. 

H.R. 3843 - Locatable Minerals Claim Location and Maintenance Fees Act
I was pleased to introduce this legislation to incentivize private sector cleanup of abandoned mine lands. My bill also provides “Good Samaritan” permits for industries and non-profit organizations.
 

H.R. 3844 – Energy and Minerals Reclamation Foundation Establishment Act
This bill establishes a foundation that can raise funds from individuals and organizations concerned about the environmental risks of cleaning mine lands. 
 

H.R. 3734 – Mining Schools Enhancement Act
The final bill in the package invests in the next generation of mining engineers. Through research grants and added funding for accredited mining schools, this bill will provide technical expertise that agencies and private industries need to be environmentally responsible. 

For in-depth description of the 2015 mining legislation, read my op-ed in the Denver Post. 

Sponsored and Cosponsored Energy Legislation

H.R. 161 - Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act

H.R. 287 - American Job Creation and Strategic Alliances LNG Act

H.R. 703 - Renewable Fuel Standard Elimination Act

H.R. 3880 - Stopping EPA Overreach Act of 2015

H.R. 2042 - Ratepayer Protection Act of 2015

H.R. 1869 - Environmental Compliance Cost Transparency Act of 2015

H.R. 1830 - Water Rights Protection Act

H.R. 1937 - National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act of 2015

Related Items

• FWS Ammo and Tackle Ban Letter 
• Atrazine letter to EPA 
• Comprehensive Mining Legislation Natural Resources - Lamborn