February 7, 2017

Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) introduced the Federal Land Freedom Act (S.335) and the Hydraulic Fracturing Regulations are Effective in State Hands Act (S.334) on February 7. These bills remove the authority of federal decision-makers to manage  energy resources on public lands.

Sen. Inhofe states that S.335 would enable states to develop energy resources on federal lands “aggressively and responsibly” through state-level leasing and permitting programs. If passed, the legislation would exempt states from the National Environmental Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and the Administrative Procedures Act. It would also remove the influence of the Department of the Interior and block judicial review of leasing and permitting.

The Hydraulic Fracturing Regulations are Effective in State Hands Act would give states complete regulatory authority of hydraulic fracturing within their borders.

Both bills and were referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Sources: Senate.gov, Congress.gov, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation