Protecting American Energy Production Act
Protecting American Energy Production Act
Plain Language Summary
# Protecting American Energy Production Act - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would limit the President's power to ban hydraulic fracturing (fracking)—a drilling technique used to extract oil and natural gas from underground rock formations. Currently, the President can impose such bans through executive action. If passed, this bill would require Congressional approval before any presidential fracking moratorium could take effect. The bill also expresses that states, rather than the federal government, should have primary authority to regulate fracking on state and private lands. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects the oil and gas industry, energy producers, states with significant oil and gas resources, and environmental advocates.
It would shift regulatory power from the federal executive branch to individual states and Congress. The practical impact depends on whether a President intends to restrict fracking—the bill would prevent that action without Congressional authorization. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House. It has not advanced to the Senate at this time.
CRS Official Summary
Protecting American Energy Production ActThis bill prohibits the President from declaring a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing unless Congress authorizes the moratorium. The bill also expresses the sense of Congress that states should maintain primacy (authority) for the regulation of hydraulic fracturing for oil and natural gas production on state and private lands.Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a process to extract underground resources such as oil or gas from a geologic formation by injecting water, a propping agent (e.g., sand), and chemical additives into a well under enough pressure to fracture the formation.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.