Peace Garden News

The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 26, known as the Protecting American Energy Production Act. This legislation aims to secure affordable and reliable energy production in the United States while maintaining environmental sustainability. Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), a co-sponsor of the bill, described its passage as a significant step toward American energy independence.

“By passing this bill, we’ve taken a stand to protect the energy production that powers our economy, lowers costs for families, and helps North Dakota remain a leader in energy innovation,” Fedorchak stated. She emphasized the role of fracking in transforming North Dakota into an energy powerhouse and highlighted that H.R. 26 would safeguard progress from federal interference that could disrupt energy production and threaten jobs.

The bill seeks to prevent any federal moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and confirms that states will continue to regulate fracking on state and private lands. Fracking is essential for America's energy future, contributing significantly to natural gas and oil production in the country. The timing of the bill's passage is notable as families are experiencing increased energy costs due to federal restrictions on domestic production under the Biden administration.

Fedorchak further noted, “North Dakota’s leadership in energy innovation took off after we used fracking, marking the beginning of an era of affordable, sustainable energy production through horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing." She added that North Dakota enforces high environmental standards for energy production, ensuring groundwater protection and public disclosure of fracking chemicals.

The House approved the Protecting American Energy Production Act with a bipartisan vote of 226-188. The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.