Commissioners issue a letter of support for the Restoring American Energy Dominance Act

Mesa County Commissioners issued a letter of support to Representative Lauren Boebert to express their support for the Restoring American Energy Dominance Act, H.R. 6009, that has been introduced to Congress in response to the Bureau of Land Management’s proposed Fluid Mineral Leases and Leasing Process Rule. 

As one of Colorado's largest counties, comprising 74% of public land, Mesa County and its citizens are directly affected by changes made to the oil and gas industries, specifically in the job sector. 

The letter states: 

“As the Board of County Commissioners for Mesa County, we are writing to express our wholehearted support for the Restoring American Energy Dominance Act, H.R. 6009, that you have introduced to Congress in response to the Bureau of Land Management’s (“BLM”) proposed Fluid Mineral Leases and Leasing Process Rule.

As one of Colorado's largest counties, comprising 74% of public land, Mesa County and its citizens are directly affected by changes made to the oil and gas industries, specifically in the job sector. Mesa County has already been significantly impacted in recent years by increasingly stringent state and federal regulations, which has resulted in a reduction in oil and gas employment opportunities.

On a larger scale, energy and minerals are part of a much larger conversation around national security, sustainability, and environmental factors, and proposals such as this have the potential to put America and our allies at increased risk of overseas reliance. As smaller American oil companies struggle to compete globally with increased state and federal fees and regulations.

The BLM's proposal underscores the profound risks it poses, as it threatens to amplify the potential for foreign nations to exert undue influence over crucial mineral resources. Current mineral supply chains are at risk of being weaponized, and overseas countries are developing a chokehold on supplies that could directly affect America’s economy, national security, and energy supply.

Simultaneously, such a measure could inadvertently discourage American enterprises from spearheading innovations in clean and sustainable energy technologies. This collective opposition signals a shared concern among policymakers about the possible adverse impacts on national security, economic autonomy, and technological advancement, urging a reevaluation of the proposed policy in light of these substantial considerations.

Keeping oil and gas companies, large and small, viable and able to compete and develop new technologies will serve to keep Mesa County, the Western Slope, and Colorado strong economically and socially. The increased bonding fees contained within this proposal will strongly affect smaller companies disproportionately, resulting in less competition and development and keeping America reliant on other countries at a time when global discord is high. The pursuant danger in this is obvious and needs to be addressed.

As the Board of County Commissioners for Mesa County, we are sworn to safeguard the interests of our constituents and advocate for policies that foster local economic growth and resilience. The Restoring American Energy Dominance Act aligns with these principles, as it seeks to mitigate the potential negative consequences of the BLM's proposed Fluid Mineral Leases and Leasing Process Rule.”