Energy Bill Aims to Boost Domestic Production
In a recent move, some lawmakers are pushing back against what they describe as a “climate cult” that hinders domestic energy production. If they succeed, this effort could significantly advance President Donald Trump’s objective of achieving “American energy control.”
West Virginia Senator Jim Justice, who identifies as an advocate for energy-rich states, introduced a bill aimed at preventing state interference in the development and distribution of reliable energy sources. He expressed this stance while speaking to Fox News Digital.
Justice’s counterpart, Rep. Nick Langworthy from New York, echoed similar sentiments. He criticized New York Democrats for failing to support the development of vital multi-state natural gas deposits, ironically located in towns named after the Empire State.
The proposed “Energy Selection Act” has garnered support from 37 co-sponsors across both the House and Senate, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgham, who is currently promoting energy development initiatives in Alaska.
The bill seeks to stop state and local governments from imposing restrictions on energy infrastructure, including the installation and distribution of energy sources essential for interstate commerce and end users.
Justice, during his tenure as governor, signed various bills supporting the coal industry, stating that the energy crisis in the U.S. is too significant to allow for any selective support of certain energy sources. “Americans should have the right to choose what best fits their energy needs,” he emphasized.
The Marcellus Shale Formation, spanning thousands of miles, has remained untouched in New York due to a decade-long ban on development. In contrast, neighboring states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia continue to exploit their shale gas resources, although some areas remain off-limits.
Langworthy pointed out that these bans have resulted in skyrocketing energy costs for residents in places like New York. He noted, “We’re on the brink of an energy crisis.” He further criticized New York’s approach by calling it Ground Zero for the Green New Deal, where practical solutions seem to fall by the wayside for working families.
He believes that the disparities led him to draft the House version of the bill, aiming to “restore sanity” to U.S. energy policy and provide Americans with options. He stated that citizens should not have to suffer cuts in energy supply just to appease environmental activists who may be out of touch with everyday life.
“We appreciate the senators for putting this bill forward and urge them to act quickly,” Langworthy added.
West Virginia remains one of the top coal-producing states, with Justice’s Senate colleague, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, also supporting the bill. She argued that the country needs more energy and that local and state governments shouldn’t discriminate against foundational energy sources that contribute to job creation and energy security.
Similarly, Alabama’s Black Warrior Basin holds a promising potential for coal development. Governor Kay Ivy previously signed the Power Growth Act in 2025, aiming to streamline the state’s permitting process for energy projects. Senator Tommy Tuberville, a main sponsor of the bill, emphasized the link between energy security and national security, while criticizing current regulations imposed by the Biden administration.
