House Approves Bill to Prevent Presidents from Banning Oil Drilling Without Congress

The House of Representatives has passed a new bill that would stop future presidents from banning oil and gas drilling without approval from Congress. The Protecting American Energy Production Act passed on Friday with full Republican support, while 118 Democrats voted against it.

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Why This Bill Was Introduced

The bill is designed to prevent any president from imposing a ban on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) unless Congress agrees to it. This comes after President Joe Biden restricted oil and gas drilling on 625 million acres of coastal and offshore waters before leaving office.

Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas), who introduced the bill, believes it’s necessary to protect energy jobs and production in the U.S.

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"When President Biden took office, his administration aggressively targeted American energy production, hurting workers and driving up costs," Pfluger said. "This bill is an important step in making sure future presidents can’t shut down energy production without approval from Congress."

Energy Policy and Political Divides

This bill aligns with President Donald Trump’s energy agenda, which focuses on increasing U.S. oil production and removing restrictions on drilling. Trump has repeatedly promised to expand domestic energy under the slogan “drill, baby, drill.”

On the other hand, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum recently announced plans to review Biden-era energy policies. He has ordered investigations into oil lease bans and climate policies that critics argue have slowed down energy development.

If this bill becomes law, future presidents won’t be able to halt drilling without first getting approval from Congress. Supporters say this will protect jobs, keep energy prices stable, and maintain U.S. energy independence, while critics argue it limits efforts to address climate change.

Also Read: Trump Prepares to Announce New Tariffs Next Week, Aiming for Fair Trade