Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, February 4, Chairman Dan Newhouse (R-WA) led his Congressional Western Caucus colleagues in an hour-long Special Order on the House floor to discuss the negative impacts of President Biden’s recent attacks on American energy. Executive Orders to revoke the permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline and indefinitely halt oil and gas leases on federal lands have significant implications for communities across the West and throughout the United States.

Chairman Dan Newhouse (R-WA): “It is unconscionable that President Biden would – during a global pandemic – eliminate thousands of jobs and prevent the creation of thousands more with just the flick of his pen. As you will hear from my colleagues, this action was thoughtless and devastating to the hundreds of communities and millions of Americans who rely on the oil and gas industry – from labor unions and local small businesses to rural school districts and conservationists.” Click here to watch Chairman Newhouse’s full remarks.

Vice Chair Pete Stauber (R-MN): “Joe Biden’s Executive Orders cancelling critical projects like the Keystone XL Pipeline sends a chilling message to union workers worldwide… Because of Biden’s anti-jobs agenda, these individuals are not only being denied a living wage but the dignity of work. Meanwhile, they will still need to put gas in their vehicles. Prices will keep rising and the gas they use will not be produced by hardworking Americans any longer.” Click here to watch Vice Chair Stauber’s full remarks.

Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX): “What happened to this new Administration’s promise to stand up for all Americans? From gas and electric bills, to new highways and bridges, to taxes, to putting food on the table – what happens to the oil and gas industry affects all Americans, and killing these jobs will have a ripple effect that will be felt in every home in the nation.” Click here to watch Rep. Babin’s full remarks.

Rep. Yvette Herrell (R-NM): “Royalty payments and taxes from the oil and gas industry contribute more than over one third of our state’s general fund. The loss in revenue from this leasing ban will have the greatest impact on our children, as over $1 billion from the oil and gas industry goes to New Mexico public schools every year. Before the ban was announced, I sent a letter to New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham asking how she would make up the lost revenue. I have yet to receive a reply.” Click here to watch Rep. Herrell’s full remarks.

Rep. Michael Burgess, M.D. (R-TX): “I remember when the Democrat party used to be the party of the working class. I question by President Biden has strayed so far from that. A little over two weeks ago, he said on the western steps of the Capitol Building that his number one priority was going to be American jobs, and then he immediately causes immeasurable harm to millions of Americans.” Click here to watch Rep. Burgess’ full remarks.

Vice Chair Bruce Westerman (R-AR): “Our country is at a crossroads on the environment. One road leads to a vibrant, all-of-the-above energy approach where we combine state-of-the-art technology with hardworking American ingenuity and work ethic to incentivize smart environmental solutions. The other road leads to a top down regulatory approach in which those in power ban, tax, and prohibit energy access resulting in economic ruin and environmental degradation. It’s clear which path President Biden has taken.” Click here to watch Vice Chair Westerman’s full remarks.

Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI): “We gained the upper hand when we began producing more petroleum, and we became energy independent in America. By turning back the clock on these historic gains, the new Administration is putting more American lives and treasure at risk. Closer to home, the economic costs will also be dire. The cancellation of the Keystone Pipeline and new energy restrictions have put Wisconsin jobs on the chopping block.” Click here to watch Rep. Tiffany’s full remarks.

Vice Chair Lauren Boebert (R-CO): “There is no reason the U.S. should be dependent on volatile foreign sources from countries like Russia, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia when we can safely produce these resources right here in America, creating America jobs. American ingenuity and innovation have resulted in the U.S. becoming a global leader in carbon emissions reductions. Protecting our environment while safely producing American energy are not mutually exclusive goals.” Click here to watch Vice Chair Boebert’s full remarks.

Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT): “These orders will result in Utah families losing their jobs and reduce crucial funding for conservation programs that protect the natural wonders of my home state and our great country. They will make our country more reliant on imported energy from other countries with lower environmental standards than our own and weaken our national security footholds.” Click here to watch Rep. Moore’s full remarks.

Rep. Tracey Mann (R-KS): “Whether it be diesel for a tractor, keeping our homes and families warm, or filling up a gas tank to drive our kids 20 miles each way to school, our district needs energy… We must hold our elected leaders accountable for the pipeline worker and the plant manager, for the millions of lives depending on agriculture and energy every day, and for the betterment of our democracy.” Click here to watch Rep. Mann’s full remarks.

Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX): If my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are so concerned about CO2, why would you undermine the very energy policies that are giving us the ability to drive those CO2 levels down? …You roll in here with a new Administration, thinking we’re just going to fundamentally alter our entire economy through Executive Order? We’re going to say no. We’re going to say, ‘Come and take it.’” Click here to watch Rep. Roy’s full remarks.