The government remains shut down, but important conversations and initiatives are still happening across the country, shaping our energy and conservation future.
The production and management of our natural resources remain front and center across the country. In Louisiana, ongoing lawsuits against oil and gas companies threaten to undermine one of the state’s most important economic engines. We examined this issue more closely for a piece published in The Hill earlier this month. Louisiana is one of the U.S.’s top energy producers, but lately, the state government seems more aligned with the trial lawyers.
Back in D.C., the Senate voted yesterday to overturn Biden-era limits on oil and gas development in the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska, courtesy of a Congressional Review Act resolution brought by Roosevelt Conservation Caucus members Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). Overly restrictive federal regulations hamper the safe and sustainable production and development of our country’s vast natural resources. Locking up Alaska is not the answer.
Addressing the environmental legacy of past resource development is just as vital to a sustainable energy future. We recently released a white paper, authored by our Director of Government Affairs, Jason Solomon, and published in partnership with RESOLVE and Regeneration, exploring practical policy tools to address abandoned mines. The paper highlights how “Good Samaritan” policies could encourage safe, cooperative remediation efforts that protect ecosystems and revitalize rural landscapes. ConservAmerica has long advocated for Good Samaritan legislation.
In addition to local mining issues, we took a look at the global stranglehold China maintains on the production and processing of rare earth elements, which are essential for technologies ranging from smartphones to electric vehicles and defense systems. You can read more from Fellow Alina Voss here.
Our webinar this month focused on the Biden administration’s BLM Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, which the Trump administration, under Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, is now proposing to rescind. The administration argues that it is restoring balance in federal land management by prioritizing multiple-use access, empowering local decision-making, and supporting responsible energy development, ranching, grazing, timber production, and recreation across America’s public lands. Our expert panelists engaged in a friendly and informative debate, explaining the pros and cons of the rule. You can watch the video replay here.
Finally, we will be hosting our annual Roosevelt Reception to honor our 2025 Congressional Champions – Senators Dave McCormick and Tim Sheehy, and Representatives Jen Kiggans and Celeste Maloy -- on November 17 in Washington, DC. If you will be in town, we’d love to have you join us! RSVP here and contact [email protected] for sponsorship opportunities.
Before we go, we want to remind you that though considered an off-year election, on Tuesday, November 4, many state and local seats will be up for consideration, including two gubernatorial seats. Click here to find out if there are any elections happening in your state next week, and if so, make sure to get out and vote.
Happy Halloween, everyone! Enjoy the holiday and stay safe.
