U.S. House of Representatives approves “Protecting American Energy Production Act” 226–188, limiting future presidents from banning hydraulic fracturing.
The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives passed a key energy bill on Tuesday, 226–188, that prevents future presidents from imposing restrictions on oil and gas drilling without congressional approval. The legislation, titled the “Protecting American Energy Production Act,” specifically forbids the president from declaring a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing unless authorized by Congress.
All House Republicans voted in favor of the measure, while 118 Democrats opposed it. The bill comes in response to the actions of former President Joe Biden, who, just weeks before leaving office, banned oil and gas drilling on 625 million acres of coastal and offshore waters and implemented other energy-related regulations.
Rep. August Pfluger of Texas, who sponsored the legislation, said the bill aims to protect the U.S. energy sector from “wage wars on American energy production” and prevent future administrations from restricting hydraulic fracturing. “My legislation that passed today is a necessary first step in reversing Biden’s war on energy by preventing the federal government from banning the use of hydraulic fracturing,” Pfluger said.
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President Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized the importance of domestic energy production, pledging to unleash America’s energy potential. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has initiated internal investigations into agency actions that allegedly hinder energy development, including climate regulations and lease restrictions imposed under the Biden administration.
The bill’s passage follows a recent CNN poll showing Republicans holding a clear advantage over Democrats on economic issues. Data analyst Harry Enten highlighted that despite stock market fluctuations, tariff debates, and other economic concerns, Republicans currently maintain a 12-point lead over Democrats in perceptions of who has the better economic plan. He noted that this advantage underscores the GOP’s strength with middle-class voters and their continued influence on economic policy debates.
Energy policy advocates say the legislation reinforces congressional oversight of energy decisions and safeguards the hydraulic fracturing industry from executive overreach. Critics argue it limits the president’s flexibility to respond to environmental concerns and could hinder efforts to address climate change.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where its prospects remain uncertain. House passage, however, represents a significant victory for President Trump and Republican lawmakers aiming to solidify U.S. energy independence and promote continued oil and gas development.
