WASHINGTON - Rep. Yvette Herrell has led a group of Members of Congress demanding that the Department of the Interior reverse its anti-energy, anti-job, anti-worker policies that have virtually halted oil and gas lease sales across America. She was joined by Rep. Bruce Westerman, Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee.

"The Biden Administration's treatment of New Mexico's energy industry as a political football is both unlawful and counterproductive," said Rep. Herrell. "Energy produced in New Mexico powers our nation and provides needed revenues for education. With every passing day, decisions by the administration put both of these at risk. For these reasons, we call on Secretary Haaland to provide greater certainty to producers and account for the anti-energy decisions she has made to date. My constituents deserve to know the reasoning behind decisions that negatively impact both their family and their community."

"It's far past the time for DOI to end its politically motivated delays of oil and gas lease sales," said Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-AR) "Not only is this a violation of federal law, but it's putting an unnecessary strain on states who rely on energy revenues to fund public services, which includes everything from schools to firefighters. I thank Rep. Herrell for her tireless work and advocacy to end these delays and restart regular lease sales as required by law."

Rep. Herrell's full letter may be found here.