Washington, DC- U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), incoming Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today released the following statement on President Biden’s latest round of climate executive orders.

“Last night, I spoke with White House officials about today’s executive orders. They informed me they are pausing new oil and gas leases on federal lands in order to fully evaluate the state of production on current leases. Currently, 53% of onshore acres leased and 77% of offshore acres leased have no active production. It is prudent to evaluate if taxpayers are receiving a fair return for the use of their resources. This executive order will not impact energy activity like drilling or permitting on existing leases.

I also reiterated my strong commitment to advancing innovative energy technologies in order to address climate change while maintaining our energy independence. Instead of elimination, we must instead  focus on utilizing all of our resources in the cleanest way possible. Today’s executive orders also commit the Biden Administration to focus on reinvesting in communities that have seen the loss of traditional energy jobs, like many in West Virginia. I intend to hold the Administration to this while ensuring that the burden of any acceleration in already changing markets is not unduly placed on these communities that powered our nation to greatness. I stand ready to work with this Administration to ensure West Virginia communities see these much needed investments.”

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