Senator Lummis, Representative Cheney, Criticize Biden Administration Moratorium on New Energy Leases and Permits

As part of a broad review of programs at the Department of the Interior, the Biden administration announced Thursday the suspension of new oil and gas leasing and drilling permits for U.S. lands and waters for the next 60 days. U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming released a statement regarding the Biden Administration’s moratorium on new energy leases and permits. Senator Lummis sharply criticized the administration’s decision by saying that the moratorium would be devastating for Wyoming’s economy and the temporary suspension is a strike on the heart of Wyoming jobs, families and communities.

Lummis said this unilateral action will kill jobs, raise gas and energy prices, and further harm our ability to fund our schools, roads, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure. The price of this ban is simply one the people of Wyoming cannot afford. Lummis added that she will be introducing legislation with her colleagues in the coming days to stop this misguided action and ensure a future role for our nation’s abundant energy resources.

Wyoming Congresswoman and House Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney released a statement as well, saying the order is deeply misguided and would have severe ramifications in Wyoming. At a time when we need to be doing everything possible to support our energy producers and our economy, prohibiting BLM offices from leasing and permitting will negatively impact so many hard-working families who rely on the national treasures in our state to make a living.