Armstrong Leads Congressional Delegation Visit to North Dakota's Bakken Oil Fields

Statement

Congressman Kelly Armstrong led a delegation of members of Congress to visit North Dakota's Bakken oil fields Monday. Members toured multiple operations, from drilling to gas production in Watford City, and learned about how technology has transformed the oil and gas industry. The trip was organized as part of Armstrong's role as a member of the House Energy Action Team, or HEAT, which is a group of conservative lawmakers who support the development, deployment, and efficient use of all-of-the-above energy resources.

"America is energy independent -- a tremendous national security asset -- in large part because of the shale revolution in the Bakken," said Armstrong. "The trip was a major success in equipping each of my colleagues with firsthand knowledge about how the plays in the Bakken and Three Forks formations have reduced U.S. reliance on foreign oil and why Congress needs to support an all-of-the-above energy transportation strategy to overcome the continuing logistical challenges in getting the oil and gas resources to consumers."

Armstrong was joined by five House colleagues, including HEAT co-chairs Congressman Jeff Duncan (R, S.C.) and Congressman Markwayne Mullin (R, Okla.) along with Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (R, Ariz.), Congressman Jason Smith (R, Mo.), and Congressman Bruce Westerman (R, Ark.). The delegation was also joined by North Dakota State Senators Jessica Unruh (R, Beulah) and Dale Patten (R, Watford City).

"As the Co-Chair of the House Energy Action Team, it was important for me to see the Bakken oil fields in North Dakota first-hand to learn about the innovation taking place to further American energy dominance," said Duncan. "Domestic energy production, like what is taking place in North Dakota, is critical to the security of the United States and important to our all-of-the-above energy matrix that will continue to elevate the U.S. as the energy superpower."

"Today, we saw firsthand how the natural gas industry in North Dakota benefits our entire country," said Mullin. "This dependable energy source is helping us keep the lights on for families at a price they can afford, decrease our dependence on foreign oil, and reduce our emissions. We should continue to support an industry that ensures a better, cleaner future for all Americans and allows consumers to drive the energy market using an "all-the-above' approach."

"Oil and natural gas are critical components of America's diverse energy portfolio. Seeing the drilling and production processes up close help us as members of Congress to better understand domestic energy production which ensures American energy dominance," said Lesko. "Thank you to Rep. Armstrong for hosting us in North Dakota today for this important tour."

"Technological advancements like we've seen implemented on the Bakken have allowed the United States to become the world's dominant energy producer, lessening global impacts when rouge countries like Iran try to influence energy supply and prices. This technology has also allowed the U.S. to tap into clean, abundant, low-cost natural gas, reducing both our contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs for American consumers and industry," said Westerman. "While we are improving the quality of life and the environment through innovation, other countries like China and Russia are greatly increasing their emissions. I'm eager to apply all that I've learned on this trip to future hearings and legislation."

The oil industry had a $32.6 billion impact on North Dakota's economy in 2017, supports over 35,000 jobs, and has contributed nearly $18 billion in tax revenues for the state for fiscal years 2008-2018, according to industry studies.

Armstrong is serving his first term representing the state of North Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives.