House Passes Historic Energy Security for Americans

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted in support of increasing American energy security when supporting H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, which passed the House by [225-204].

“Bolstering American energy security through domestic production starts with scaling back overly burdensome environmental regulations that delay or permanently block approval for production,” said Johnson. “H.R. 1 will get our energy production headed in the right direction, creating a cleaner energy future and lower costs for Americans.”

H.R. 1 would unleash American energy and lower costs for Americans by:

1. Increasing domestic energy production

2. Reforming the permitting process for all industries

3. Reversing anti-energy policies advanced by the Biden Administration

4. Streamlining energy infrastructure and exports

5. Boosting the production and processing of critical minerals

Watch Johnson’s Floor Remarks here and read them below:

Johnson: Mr. Chairman, I spent six years as a state energy regulator and our focus was always on safe, affordable, reliable energy because we knew that that could power American prosperity.

And indeed, this abundance of American energy that we've been talking about can be a huge American competitive advantage in an increasingly uncertain world.

Unfortunately, we have made it so difficult to do big projects in this country anymore if you need a strong piece of evidence, look at President Biden’s unilateral canceling of the Keystone XL Pipeline.

But unfortunately, that is not the only piece of evidence. It takes five to seven years to permit an energy project in this country.

It is an almost uniquely American problem. It can get done in half the time in countries like Canada and H.R. 1 is a huge step in the right direction.

It prevents the constant relitigation of projects and reviews that have already been settled and moves the NEPA process into the 21st century by making sure we have an online portal for projects.

It creates deadlines for NEPA and other environmental reviews.

Imagine that, a shot clock, a deadline to make sure that the government's work is done on time.

And Mr. Chairman, it unlocks American energy and energy leasing and repeal restrictions on export and import of natural gas.

Mr. Chairman, the abundance of American energy is a huge American competitive advantage. H.R. 1 makes that so. And with that, I yield back.

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