Scalise Slams Biden's Failure to Deliver Offshore Leasing Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement on the continued failure by the Department of the Interior to produce a five-year offshore leasing plan as part of President Biden’s war on American energy.

“In yet another blow to American energy security, the Biden Administration delivered a gut punch to American families and small businesses that rely on affordable energy by delaying once again the next five-year offshore leasing plan, which now marks an 18 month delay. 
 
“Nearly 15 percent of America’s domestic oil and natural gas is produced offshore - most of that off the coast of Louisiana - and this additional delay continues to threaten our country’s energy security. This administration holds no regard for its legal obligation to produce a five-year leasing plan, something that no other administration, Republican or Democrat, has failed to do.
 
“House Republicans are already working to deliver solutions to unleash American energy production in places like offshore Louisiana and Port Fourchon in my district to restore our energy independence while lowering costs for hardworking families and creating good paying jobs. Make no mistake: this announcement of yet another delay in re-establishing American energy dominance is radically extreme, and harmful to American families and small businesses that rely on affordable energy,” said Leader Scalise. 

In October 2022, Leader Scalise led 129 House Republicans in sending a letter to President Biden demanding he issue a robust offshore energy leasing plan. The offshore leasing program is required under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), mandating the Department of the Interior to finalize a five-year plan before any leasing can occur.
 
While past administrations ensured a smooth transition between schedules, U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland broke tradition and severely delayed the release of a proposed program, further undermining America’s energy security. 
 
Prior Scalise Calls for Action:
 
July 2, 2022 – Scalise Slams Biden Administration's Overdue Offshore Leasing Plan
October 17, 2022 – Scalise, House Republicans: 'Biden Must Unleash American Energy Now'