Interior Secretary Deb Haaland went before a House Committee she once served on and told members the Biden administration does not have plans to permanently ban new drilling leases on public lands and waters.
If her claim holds true, it could have a big impact on Oklahoma energy companies that explore on public lands.
It’s what she told the House Natural Resources Committee, reemphasizing the administration’s claim that it will release an assessment of oil and gas drilling on public lands in “early summer” reported The Hill.
Oklahoma City’s Devon Energy is one of the largest holders of leases on public lands.
“Gas and oil production will continue well into the future,” Haaland said. “I don’t think there is a plan right now for a permanent ban … but, as I said, the review will come out early summer, and we will assess the fossil fuel programs at that time.”
Click here for The Hill report.