U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01), a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, voted against a misguided bill that would expand drilling and energy development on public lands by streamlining the approval process for permits, and automatically approving applications for permits after 60 days whether or not safety, environmental, or cultural reviews have taken place.
H.R. 1965 also increases the amount of federal land available for oil and gas production by requiring that at least 25% of eligible federal land be made available each year for leasing, regardless of the areas' appropriateness for drilling.
"This bill promotes bad policy, removes environmental safeguards, and undermines our nation's energy security," said Hanabusa. "It is another giveaway to Big Oil -- allowing these companies to drill on public lands while limiting the public's participation in decisions about the use of the lands. It imposes a $5,000 fee on individuals and communities who want to protest a drilling permit or oil/gas lease -- erecting a financial barrier to Americans' legitimate challenges to an agency's decision on energy matters. The bill elevates energy production on public lands above other uses like hunting, fishing, recreation, and conservation, and also leaves fracking on Indian lands unregulated.
"With U.S. oil production currently at a 24-year high, natural gas production at an all-time high, oil imports down to the lowest level in 17 years, and oil and gas companies sitting on nearly two-thirds of public lands they have leased for drilling, this bill is unnecessary. We must continue to invest in renewable energy initiatives and work to improve America's energy security in a responsible, effective way."
Hanabusa offered an amendment to the bill that would require the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to study renewable energy opportunities on lands designated as Hawaiian Home Lands. The House approved Hanabusa's amendment by a voice vote.
H.R. 1965 passed by a vote of 228-192 and now heads to the Senate.
Hanabusa also voted against a bill that prohibits the Interior Department from enforcing federal rules related to hydraulic fracturing on federal and Indian lands in states that have their own fracking oversight rules, and hampers the Environmental Protection Agency's ability to study the impact of fracking on drinking water.