Protecting States' Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 2728 with my good friend, Bill Flores, and, of course, our chairman also.

The U.S. has become the world's largest producer of oil and natural gas, surpassing Russia this year. The transformation of our energy production has rejuvenated our middle class by reviving core American industries and bringing blue-collar jobs back to U.S. soil.

In light of this new American energy revolution, we must ensure that we have a smarter and more focused approach to energy regulation.

This legislation would prevent the Interior Department from enforcing Federal rules related to hydraulic fracturing in States that already have existing oversight rules, like my State of Texas, and the Railroad Commission in my home State.

Let us improve how our government functions, empower our States to enforce their own laws on their own lands, and continue this energy growth that we have. This bill helps our Federal Government work in a smarter and more cost-effective manner. We need to enable States to regulate their own lands--because they know it better--and not try to create a Federal one-size-fits-all approach.

This bill would untangle redundant regulation in States that have created their own regulations that address well design, location, water quality, emissions, wildlife protection, and health and safety.

I represent the Eagle Ford Shale area in Texas, which is one of the largest production areas in the United States. That shale has transformed my area, whether it is Webb County, LaSalle, Atascosa, Wilson, or McMullen County. The other counties there have been transformed by Eagle Ford.

I also worked at the State for many years as a legislator, and I understand the Railroad Commission. I understand they also do a good job.

Therefore, the State of Texas has passed smart regulations by working directly with our communities and with our counties, with our industry, and is leading the Nation in establishing FracFocus, which informs all Texans what materials are used in the fracking activities. Therefore, the State of Texas has passed smart regulations by working directly with our communities and with our counties, with our industry, and is leading the Nation in establishing FracFocus, which informs all Texans what materials are used in the fracking activities.my State of Texas, and the Railroad Commission in my home State.

Our State governments know their own land best. Let us improve how our government functions, empower our States to enforce their own laws on their own lands, and continue this energy growth that we have.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source