House Passes H.R. 26 to Protect American Energy Production

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 26, the Protecting American Energy Production Act, a critical piece of legislation to safeguard affordable, reliable, and environmentally sustainable energy production in the United States. Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), a co-sponsor of the bill, hailed its passage as a victory for American energy independence and hardworking 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 said. “Fracking has transformed North Dakota into an energy powerhouse, and H.R. 26 will help protect the progress we’ve made from federal overreach that disrupts energy production and threatens jobs.” 

H.R. 26 prevents any federal moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and affirms that states retain primacy over fracking regulation on state and private lands. Fracking plays a crucial role in America’s energy future, accounting for two-thirds of the natural gas produced in the United States and half of the nation’s oil. The bill’s passage comes at a critical time as families face rising energy costs due to federal restrictions on domestic production under the Biden administration. 

“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. North Dakota enforces some of the highest environmental standards for energy production in the country, safeguarding groundwater and requiring public disclosure of fracking chemicals to maintain transparency and accountability,” Fedorchak concluded. “Our state has proven that we can unleash American energy production while continuing to protect our natural resources and environment for future generations."  

The Protecting American Energy Production Act passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 226-188 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.