Petroleum Association of Wyoming Responds to Biden Leasing Report
Wyomingites should take this report for what it is: at best a politically motivated document repeating old anti-development talking points, and at worst a nonsensical screed.
November 26, 2021
Casper, Wyo. – The Petroleum Association of Wyoming issued the following statement upon the release of the Biden Administration’s federal oil and natural gas leasing report:
When the government quietly releases a “significant” report the day after Thanksgiving, you can be sure of two things: they are embarrassed by what it says, and they hope no one will read it. Embarrassed they should be. As fuel prices continue to rise, the Biden Administration’s solution is to increase the cost of production, build more barriers to Wyoming’s development and choke off exploration of new reserves. No wonder they don’t want anyone to read the report.
The report repeats overblown claims about the government needing a “fair return”, when in fact the mineral program is second only to the IRS in revenue production for the treasury. The report misleads Wyomingites by falsely claiming an imbalance in federal lands management, with oil and gas “prioritized over other land uses,” when in fact only 10% of all BLM acres, and 4% of all federally owned lands, are leased for oil and gas development. The report advances downright silly arguments suggesting that the price of the lease determines whether oil or gas is present, rather than the presence of oil or gas driving the bidding price for a lease. The report continues the lie that areas leased cannot be managed for other uses, a fact proven wrong over and over again in Wyoming.
Wyomingites should take this report for what it is: at best a politically motivated document repeating old anti-development talking points, and at worst a nonsensical screed. Ask yourself, if the oil and gas program was in such desperate need of reform, why did the Biden Administration try to hide it’s report on the issue by releasing it on a day most people would not be paying attention.
About PAW: Representing Wyoming’s primary economic engine, the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, is the voice of the oil and gas industry. Our members produce 90% of Wyoming’s oil and gas, generating over $5 billion in economic activity and employing more than 19,000 of Wyoming’s hard-working men and women. PAW strives to foster mutually beneficial relationships with Wyoming’s landowners, businesses, and communities while promoting the sustainable production of Wyoming’s abundant resources.
The Petroleum Association of Wyoming provides a forum for education, interaction, and unified action for members, policymakers, and the public.