House GOP sets sights on expanding oil drilling and weakening federal land protections
New House Speaker Mike Johnson has pledged to bolster U.S. energy production by fast-tracking oil and gas permits, opposing electric vehicle incentives and making it easier for federal lands to be transferred to states.
Lisa Friedman reports for The New York Times.
In short:
- Mike Johnson, sworn in as House Speaker, emphasized expanding fossil fuel production and ending support for the Green New Deal and EV subsidies.
- House Republicans passed a measure making it easier to transfer federal lands to state and local governments without considering lost federal revenues.
- Environmental groups warn that such policies could lead to privatization of public lands, restricting public access and increasing resource extraction.
Key quote:
“If those lands get sold off, given to states, you’re going to see large privatization. You’re going to see loss of access and large-scale development.”
— Michael Carroll, Wilderness Society public lands campaign director
Why this matters:
Federal lands contribute to conservation, recreation, and government revenue from resource leases. Loosening protections could increase environmental degradation and privatization, while critics argue that public land sales prioritize short-term gains over long-term public benefit.
Read more: Trump's return expected to open doors for fossil fuel growth
