Published: May 7, 2024 |

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The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Joe Manchin (D-WV) held a hearing to question U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Deb Haaland about the President’s budget request for the DOI for fiscal year 2025 (FY25). During the hearing, Chairman Manchin discussed DOI’s expected loss in revenue due to plans to cut back on oil and gas lease sales, DOI’s lack of progress on finalizing a rule for offshore carbon capture sequestration, and DOI’s efforts to restrict energy development and other activities on federal lands.

“There have been some highs ... But with that, there have unfortunately been too many lows, as well, with the Interior Department and broader Administration picking favorites when it comes to energy, leading to many instances where U.S. investment has been discouraged. Getting this administration to celebrate the abundant resources our country has been blessed with — whether that be oil, gas, coal, or minerals — that we can produce cleaner and safer than anywhere else in the world, and that we and our friends around the world rely on, should be easy. But the radical climate advisors in the White House have put election year politics ahead of a thoughtful and achievable long-term strategy for the country,” said Chairman Manchin.

Chairman Manchin asked Secretary Haaland how DOI justifies a 5 percent, or $935 million, budget increase while anticipating a $700 million decrease in revenue due to DOI holding less oil and gas lease sales and discouraging production.

“I also see your proposed budget expects Interior will collect nearly $700 million less in bonuses, rents, and royalties because you chose to have less lease sales and to discourage production on public lands and waters. It’s kind of hard to justify to the taxpayers why we should be using tax dollars to increase the budget for the DOI $935 million when you have the ability to collect this and be self-sustaining. I’d like to hear your concerns about that,” said Chairman Manchin.

“You all have to agree that having less lease sales is going to affect that greatly. I mean we have to acknowledge that, it’s just common sense,” added Chairman Manchin.

Watch the full committee hearing HERE.

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