In the past week, gas prices have surged upwards of 14 cents across the country to a national average of $3.61 per gallon. Analysts, including Patrick DeHaan of GasBuddy.com, point out that rising tensions in Egypt and the concern over disruption to oil production in the region have caused oil prices to spike here in the United States. It’s time for the U.S. to reduce its dependence on foreign oil and no longer fall victim to volatile spikes brought on by events overseas. This is just one example of how we could benefit from increased energy production here at home. One bill recently passed by... Read More »

The Natural Resources Morning News Round-up: The Hill – Ben Geman: “Republicans press Interior on status of offshore drilling rule” Houston Chronicle – Zain Shauk: “Gasoline prices surge nationwide” The Hill – Jordy Yager: “Native American tribes’ lawsuit could decide who controls Senate in 2015” Aspen Public Radio – Marci Krivonen: “Tribes in Western U.S. Use Water to Assert Sovereignty” KUTV: “Bishop Wants Memorial Redesigned” Associated Press: “Congressional hearing planned on White River” Read More »

The Natural Resources Morning News Round-up: Forum News Service – TJ Jerke: “Cramer leads congressmen on North Dakota energy tour” E&E – John McArdle: “Panel to examine GOP criticisms of Lacey Act provisions” Associated Press: “Study urges spending on coastal restoration” Associated Press – Brett Zongker: “Redesign of Ike memorial could cost $17 million” Associated Press – Jeff Barnard: “Federal agencies say hydro dam fixes helping salmon” Read More »

War on coal? Absolutely… Just this week, President Obama’s war on coal reared its ugly head. American Electric Power announced that it is closing its coal-fired power plant in Beverly, Ohio. This is on top of FirstEnergy’s announcement that it will close two coal fired power plants in Pennsylvania by October. Both companies cited environmental regulations as reasons for their closures. These announcements are just the latest fronts of President Obama’s war on coal that is devastating the coal industry and the jobs that go with it. But should we really be surprised? Remember back in 2008, when ... Read More »

The National Park Service (NPS) is currently drafting a plan to determine the future of the Merced River in Yosemite National Park. Earlier this week, the Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation heard from witnesses regarding this plan that could permanently remove several recreational amenities that have long been a staple for visitors to the Merced River floodplain. Both witnesses and Committee Members at the hearing expressed concern over the objectives of the NPS in implementing these restrictions and how they will affect future visitors to the park. Protests prompt dela... Read More »

The Natural Resources Morning News Round-up: Arizona Republic – Erin Kelly: “House panel: Fire-prevention funds needed” Wall Street Journal – Erica E. Phillips and Ann Zimmerman: “Controlling the Tinderbox Right Next Door” Associated Press: “More than 150 people faces charges as officials seize endangered tiger pelt, elephant ivory” Norwich Bulletin – James Mosher: “Preston, Ledyard, NS leaders meet with governor’s counsel on tribal recognition” Associated Press – Jeff Barnard: “Feds say hydro dam fixes helping salmon, conservation groups say not so fast” News-Leader blog – Deirdre Shesgreen: ... Read More »

The Natural Resources Morning News Round-up: Associated Press – Matt Volz: “House panel touts Powder River Basin development” The Hill – Ben Geman: “Interior's offshore drilling safety chief stepping down” Fuel Fix – Jennifer A. Dlouhy: “Alaska pushing new plan for ANWR oil research” KGOU – Kurt Gwartney: “Native American Adoption Case Gets New Complication” McClatchy – Michael Doyle: “Yosemite plan to cut amenities draws GOP ire on Capitol Hill” The Hill – Pete Kasperowicz: “Dems pitch national park on the moon” Read More »

The Natural Resources Morning News Round-up: Energy Guardian – Kevin Rogers: “House panel explores Powder River Basin, coal leasing” KTVQ: “U.S. House committee invites Crow Tribe chair to discuss production expansion” KFYO – Cole Shooter: “U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces extension for listing of lesser prairie-chicken” Montville Patch – Jessie King: “Tribal Recognition Will be Easier Under New Rules” Associated Press – Brett Zongker: “Washington Monument glows again amid restoration” Associated Press – Ken Ritter: “Firefighters lose ground to 2 big Nevada wildfires” Associated Press... Read More »

OP-ED: A step toward American energy independence By. Rep Jeff Duncan Washington Times About seven years ago, I had the opportunity to tour Devil's Tower an offshore drilling platform 140 miles southeast of New Orleans. It was an enriching experience learning how technology and human ingenuity come together to safely harvest resources from the depths of our oceans that are used to power our homes, cars and businesses. What was even more educational, though, was seeing all the various industries and people that come together to make this venture a reality. After touring the platform, I drove a... Read More »

The Natural Resources Morning News Round-up: Washington Times – Rep. Jeff Duncan: OP-ED “A Step Toward American Energy Independence” The Hill – Zack Colman: “Obama’s Energy Security Trust collecting dust” Wall Street Journal – Chip Cummins: “Rising U.S. Oil Output Gives Policy Makers More Options” Miami Herald – Susan Cocking: “U.S. Wildlife Service says it’s trying to clear backlog of protection requests" Washington Post – Josh Hicks: “Feds spring to action in response to Arizona wildfire” Read More »