Baton Rouge Reporter

WASHINGTON, DC - A bill introduced by U.S. Congressman Garret Graves to counter the Biden Administration's attempt to restrict American energy production in the Gulf of Mexico has advanced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation, known as the "Requiring Integrity in Conservation Efforts (RICE) Act," aims to address the administration's recent designation of 11 million acres off-limits for energy development and production under the pretext of protecting the newly discovered Rice's Whale habitat.

According to Congressman Graves, the administration's move is an attempt to block American energy development by misrepresenting the designated area as a critical whale habitat. He argues that the designation lacks credible scientific evidence and is a means for the administration to circumvent existing laws and regulate energy production without public notice or comment.

In a statement, Congressman Graves said, "The Biden Administration is constantly looking for more reasons to force Americans to rely on foreign energy. They have now teamed up with activists and lawyers in a coordinated effort to sidestep the rule of law and make up their own science. Our bill sends them back to the drawing board."

The legislation seeks to ensure that future decisions regarding energy production in the Gulf of Mexico are based on legitimate scientific evidence and not driven by political agendas. Congressman Graves emphasized the importance of protecting legitimate whale habitats but criticized the administration's attempt to use the designation as a tool to block energy production.

"Legitimate whale habitat should be protected. Pretending that energy production areas are sensitive habitats solely to block energy production is just dishonest," Graves stated.

The efforts of Congressman Graves have garnered support from those who believe that the Biden administration has politicized environmental policies and bypassed proper rulemaking procedures. House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman commended Congressman Graves for his relentless efforts to undo what he called "egregious stipulations" and ensure that President Biden follows scientific evidence in his environmental policies.

"H.R. 6008 will continue this work to ensure Biden follows the science and provides actual evidence for his environmental policies. It's much-needed common sense that will unlock our resources and ensure access to some of the cleanest barrels of oil this world knows," Chairman Westerman said.

The advancement of the RICE Act in the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee marks a significant step towards addressing the Biden administration's energy reduction efforts. As the bill moves forward, it remains to be seen how it will impact energy development in the Gulf of Mexico and the broader debate surrounding domestic energy production.

To learn more, click on this link: https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-legislation-block-another-biden-administration-domestic-energy