Central ND News

Senators John Hoeven and Steve Daines have introduced two legislative bills aimed at bolstering American energy production and supporting rural communities. The "Supporting Made in America Energy Act" proposes to enhance oil and gas development by mandating four annual onshore lease sales in major oil and gas-producing states, two annual offshore lease sales in the Gulf, and six offshore lease sales over a decade in Alaska's Cook Inlet. The second bill, the "Restoring State Mineral Revenues Act," seeks to eliminate the 2 percent administration fee on federal oil and gas royalty payments to local communities.

"President Trump recognizes the power of American energy and innovation, especially in North Dakota, where we’ve demonstrated that it’s possible to produce more energy while upholding the highest environmental standards," said Hoeven. "These bills help unlock American energy and encourage global leadership so that our country is not just energy independent but energy dominant."

Daines expressed support for the current administration's stance on energy. "Now that we have a President who supports our energy industry instead of pushing a radical environmental agenda, it’s time to get to work on real change to unleash American energy and ensure that we remain dominant on the world stage. These bills will have a huge impact on creating Montana jobs, boosting our economy and protecting our national security, and I’ll work with my colleagues every step of the way to get them over the finish line," he stated.

The introduction of these bills has seen backing from several Republican senators including Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Curtis (R-Utah), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.).