East Idaho Times

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, Jim Risch, and Steve Daines have introduced a new bill aimed at boosting American energy production. The proposed legislation, known as the Supporting Made in America Energy Act, seeks to promote U.S. energy dominance by supporting oil and gas development.

The bill mandates four annual onshore lease sales in top oil and gas-producing states, two annual offshore lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico, and six offshore lease sales over ten years in Alaska’s Cook Inlet.

"We need pro-American energy proposals that help enhance U.S. energy independence and make us less reliant on our adversaries like China," said Crapo. "American-made energy means more jobs, more domestic energy and stronger national security."

Risch expressed his support for the initiative by stating, "I share President Trump’s vision of revitalizing America’s leadership in energy production and fueling a more prosperous future." He added that the act would remove barriers to achieving these goals by expanding access to America's resources.

Daines emphasized the importance of this legislative effort under current leadership: "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." He noted that the bills would significantly impact job creation in Montana and boost the economy while protecting national security.

The legislation has garnered support from several other senators including Roger Marshall, Bill Cassidy, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Lisa Murkowski, Tim Sheehy, Cynthia Lummis, John Curtis, John Barrasso, and John Hoeven.