DENVER — The House Natural Resources Committee approved five bills that will modernize an antiquated oil and gas leasing system while safeguarding wildlife, public lands, clean air and water, and local communities.

“It’s been decades since Congress last updated the oil and gas leasing system for federal lands. These bills ensure taxpayers get a fair deal, energy companies are responsible for cleaning up lands where they drill, and that our air, water, lands, and wildlife are protected from toxic emissions,” said David Willms, senior director of western wildlife and conservation at the National Wildlife Federation. 

The bills, sponsored by Reps. Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.), Katie Porter (D-Calif.), Mike Levin (D-Calif.), and Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) include the following:

• The Ending Taxpayer Welfare for Oil and Gas Companies Act, which will modernize fiscal policies by eliminating noncompetitive leasing and increasing royalty rates, rental fees, and minimum bid amounts.
• The Bonding Reform and Taxpayer Protection Act, which will ensure that all wells are properly reclaimed, that the American taxpayer is not responsible for those costs, and that local communities do not suffer from the health, safety, and environmental risks posed by orphaned wells.
• The Methane Waste Prevention Act, which will require oil and gas producers to capture methane gas, a powerful greenhouse gas that is up to 80% more potent than carbon dioxide and one of the leading contributors to global warming.
• The Transparency in Energy Production Act, which will give the public information about emissions that come from drilling.
• The Restoring Community Input and Public Protections in Oil and Gas Leasing Act, which will restore environmental and public review of oil and gas lease sales.