Us Congress House Bill HB150

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/9/23
• Refer: 2/21/23

Caption

Protecting American Energy Production Act This bill prohibits the President from declaring a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing unless Congress authorizes the moratorium. The bill also expresses the sense of Congress that states should maintain primacy for the regulation of hydraulic fracturing for oil and natural gas production on state and private lands. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a process to extract underground resources such as oil or gas from a geologic formation by injecting water, a propping agent (e.g., sand), and chemical additives into a well under enough pressure to fracture the formation.

Impact

The implications of HB 150 are far-reaching, particularly concerning federal authority over state regulatory powers. By explicitly prohibiting a federal moratorium on hydraulic fracturing, the bill reinforces state-level control over energy production activities, which could lead to increased oil and gas extraction. Proponents argue that this approach will encourage energy independence and economic growth, while opponents may raise concerns about environmental degradation and the long-term impacts of fracking on public health and local ecosystems.

Summary

House Bill 150, titled the 'Protecting American Energy Production Act,' aims to safeguard the practice of hydraulic fracturing by prohibiting the President from declaring a moratorium on it without Congressional authorization. The bill emphasizes the need for states to maintain primary responsibility for regulating hydraulic fracturing on state and private lands. This legislation seeks to create a framework that supports the continued use of hydraulic fracturing, a controversial but significant method for extracting oil and natural gas from geologic formations.

Contention

The discussion surrounding HB 150 is likely to be contentious, reflecting broader debates about energy policy in the United States. Supporters highlight the economic benefits associated with hydraulic fracturing, including job creation and revenue for states, while critics are likely to focus on potential environmental risks, such as groundwater contamination and increased seismic activity. This divide underscores the challenges involved in balancing energy production with public safety and environmental stewardship.