Sen. Cramer on Biden Administration's 'Reckless' Blocking of Fossil Fuel Leasing and Drilling: 'Fewer Jobs, Smaller State Budgets, More Control for Environmental Extremists'

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) issued the following statement on the U.S. Department of the Interior under President Joe Biden releasing an order temporarily blocking fossil fuel leasing and drilling on federal lands today:

“Temporarily halting oil and gas production is reckless and another attack on good-paying American energy jobs just hours into President Biden’s term. It will blow million-dollar-sized holes in already-tightening state budgets, not to mention the federal government’s budget, which receives significant funding from places in North Dakota like the Bakken.

“This move by the Biden Administration means fewer opportunities for American workers, decreased funding for important programs like education and infrastructure, and more control for Washington bureaucrats and far-left environmental extremists who want to upend America’s energy security.”

The order halts coal, oil, and gas leasing; oil and gas drilling; and other activities on federal lands including rights-of-way and easements for 60 days. Read the order.