Washington, DC—February 5, 2021….Following President Biden’s recent slew of misguided executive orders that undermine our energy security, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) took action and helped lead the introduction of and supported several bills to strengthen American energy and protect industry jobs. The series of measures includes legislation that authorizes the construction and operation of the Keystone XL Pipeline, encourages cross-border energy infrastructure, and advances an all-of-the-above energy strategy.

Congressman Womack said, “With a few swipes of a pen, President Biden has set records for devastating the livelihoods of hardworking Americans and crippling our energy sector. Instead of recognizing that we can support both productivity and sustainability for the future, he’s doubled down on unilateral mandates straight out of the Green New Deal playbook. These shortsighted decisions have immediately killed thousands of jobs—and they’ll also drive up energy costs at a time when families are already struggling and cede control of energy development to foreign nations like Russia, China, and Venezuela. It’s the wrong way forward. I’ll continue standing up for legislation that enhances national security, promotes American-led energy innovation, and protects jobs.”

• Keystone XL Pipeline Construction and Jobs Preservation Act: This legislation authorizes the construction and operation of the Keystone XL Pipeline and declares that a Presidential permit is not required to execute the project. The proposal was developed in response to President Biden’s decision to rescind the project’s border crossing permit. Congressman Womack joined Congressman Kelly Armstrong (ND-At-Large) to help introduce the bill as an original cosponsor.

• Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Act: This act enhances America’s energy partnerships with Canada and Mexico by establishing transparent procedures and providing greater regulatory certainty for domestic energy projects and infrastructure. By streamlining the construction and operation of international border-crossing facilities used for the import and export of oil, natural gas, and electricity, the U.S. can more efficiently continue the trade of energy products with neighboring countries. Congressman Womack joined Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) to help introduce the bill as an original cosponsor.

• Protecting American Energy Production Act: This bill would prohibit the President from declaring a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing unless Congress authorizes the suspension. It further expresses that states have the authority to regulate hydraulic fracturing for oil and natural gas production on state and private lands. Congressman Womack joined Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-3) to help introduce the bill as an original cosponsor.

• Saving America’s Energy Future Act: The legislation would preserve U.S. energy security and independence by prohibiting the Biden Administration from declaring a moratorium on issuing new oil and gas permits for drilling on federal lands. Congressman Womack is a cosponsor of this bill, which was introduced by Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11).

Prior to President Biden revoking the project’s permit, the Keystone XL Pipeline was expected to support tens of thousands of jobs in the United States while producing approximately $2 billion in earnings for American employees. Beyond directly benefiting American workers, it was poised to generate substantial tax revenue, increase renewable-energy demand, reduce emissions, and strengthen North American energy independence. In 2019, the value of energy traded between the United States and our North American neighbors was approximately $155 billion, with $98 billion in U.S. energy imports and $57 billion in exports. Canada is the nation’s largest source of energy imports, and the second-largest destination for our energy exports behind only Mexico.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

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