The Republican-led House passed the “Protecting American Energy Production Act” with a 226-188 vote, aiming to prevent future administrations from banning oil and gas drilling without congressional approval. The bill prohibits the president from imposing a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) unless Congress explicitly authorizes it.
Introduced by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), the legislation responds to concerns about potential fracking bans under President Biden. Pfluger highlighted that Biden’s restrictions on energy production, including a ban on drilling across 625 million acres of coastal and offshore waters, have harmed domestic energy independence. He argued that the administration’s policies increase reliance on foreign oil and drive up energy costs for American families.