Steven Holt: “Let's summarize what is in this legislation. H.R. 1965 is a compilation of a number of wishful bills, wishful…”

“Let's summarize what is in this legislation. H.R. 1965 is a compilation of a number of wishful bills, wishful legislation from the other side. It would shortcut environmental reviews, discourage public participation in energy development decisions, and eliminate thoughtful leasing reforms. It would require that any public entity or individual that wanted to challenge a leasing decision post a $5,000 protest fee just to be able to access the process. It would require that the Department of the Interior lease at least 25 percent each year of oil and gas nominated areas, whether or not they are suitable for drilling now. And, Madam Chair, I get this. It would elevate oil and gas leasing decisions above all other uses of public lands, such as hunting, fishing, grazing, conservation, recreation, and other energy uses. It would also require a plan to crisscross the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska with roads and pipelines, a network that would be a bonanza for some contractor, I am sure, ignoring the management plan that was approved this year. Why? Not for a good reason. We don't need all these relaxations--``relaxation'' is too mild a word--the gutting of environmental review, the removal of public participation, because oil production is doing very well, thank you. Let's deal with facts. Federal onshore oil production, which is what this bill is about, has increased 35 percent.…”