Central ND News

The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 26, known as the Protecting American Energy Production Act. This legislation aims to ensure 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 beneficial for American energy independence and families.

“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 that fracking has been pivotal in transforming North Dakota into an energy leader and believes H.R. 26 will safeguard progress from federal interference.

The bill prohibits any federal moratorium on hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, and asserts state authority over fracking regulation on state and private lands. Fracking is significant for America's energy future, contributing two-thirds of the country's natural gas and half of its oil production. The legislation's approval comes amid rising energy costs attributed to federal restrictions under the Biden administration.

Fedorchak further commented on North Dakota's role: “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 highlighted that North Dakota maintains high environmental standards for energy production, including groundwater protection and public disclosure of fracking chemicals.

The Protecting American Energy Production Act was passed by a bipartisan vote of 226-188 in the House and will now proceed to the Senate for consideration.