Melanie Stansbury: “While I appreciate that part of the debate has been framed as a difference in perspective, it is actually a difference…”

“While I appreciate that part of the debate has been framed as a difference in perspective, it is actually a difference in the actual facts on the page of what the bill says. Let me read to you from the bill that is being proposed to be passed right now. In General, the Secretary--they are talking about the Department of the Interior--shall not require an operator to obtain a Federal drilling permit for geothermal exploration and production activities conducted on non-Federal subsurface estates. I know this is confusing. They are talking about those lands that the Feds manage for the American people. The claim that was just made was that, oh, this isn't about exempting Federal permitting, that is what the bill says. Mr. Speaker, I am reading from their bill. Now, it has the specific reasons under which the permit would be allowed to be excluded, and, as was stated, it says: ``The United States holds an ownership interest of less than 50 percent of the subsurface estate. . . .'' Now, I love when my colleagues across the aisle claim that industry is so confused and that is why we have to streamline these bills. I ask the American people: When you hear this language, does it sound streamlined? I don't think so. Mr. Speaker, I have a very high-tech drawing I will use to help the American people understand what they are talking about here. You have got this geothermal energy producer.…”