09.18.13

Hoeven Presses Interior Nominee for States First, All-of-the-Above Energy Policy, Timely Permitting

Calls on Conner to Expedite Gas Pipeline Permitting on Public, Tribal Land to Reduce Flaring

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today during a hearing in the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources asked Michael L. Connor, the nominee to be Deputy Secretary of Interior, to work with him on issues related to energy development and the use of federal lands. As a member of the Energy Committee, Senator Hoeven has pushed for a states-first, all-of-the-above energy policy that will make North America energy secure, as well as expedited permitting for gas pipeline gathering systems on federal lands and Native American reservations to help reduce flaring.

“In North Dakota, we are producing a lot of energy from a lot of sources,” Hoeven said. “If we have an energy policy where we empower states to produce energy in different, yet great ways with the latest technology, we can not only produce more energy, but also do so with better environmental stewardship to truly make our nation energy secure.”

In May, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released an update to its proposed final rule on hydraulic fracturing on federal lands. The senator pressed Mr. Connor to recognize the primacy of states in regulating oil and gas production within their boundaries and allow states to lead under this rule. Hoeven invited Connor, if confirmed, to visit North Dakota to better understand the state’s comprehensive energy industry, an offer the nominee accepted.

Hoeven also urged Connor to work with him to secure timely approval to build pipelines and gas gathering systems on tribal lands. Hoeven said that timely permitting is needed to get the natural gas gathering systems in place that are needed to help reduce flaring and produce more energy.

Earlier this year, Hoeven introduced the BLM Streamlining Act, legislation that would help streamline oil and gas permitting on federal lands in western North Dakota. This bill has passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives and will go to conference committee to reconcile the two versions.