House Natural Resources Committee advances portion of budget reconciliation bill, claiming to save US$18.5B while promoting US energy, mineral development; provisions include reinstating mineral leases in Minnesota's Superior National Forest worth US$80M

May 19, 2025 (ForeignAffairs.co.nz) –

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON , D.C. – This week, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) and his House Natural Resources Committee colleagues held a full committee markup on their portion of the budget reconciliation bill. 

Congressman Stauber released the following statement following the bill’s advancement: 

“The House Natural Resources Committee took significant action to support the President’s America First agenda,” said Congressman Stauber . “This portion of the reconciliation bill generates over $18.5 billion in savings for the American taxpayer while also unleashing American energy and mineral dominance. By restoring key mineral leases and revoking Biden’s harmful mineral withdrawal in the Superior National Forest , this legislation will create significant revenue for the federal government and economic opportunity for the state of Minnesota – something my constituents and I are especially enthusiastic about. Last night’s markup was a great first step, and I look forward to delivering these major wins for Northern Minnesota and the entire nation.”

This legislation generates revenue and implements savings across federal agencies, reducing federal deficit by an estimated $18.5 billion . Provisions include: 

• Reinstating key mineral leases in Northern Minnesota and revoking Biden’s harmful mineral withdrawal in the Superior National Forest , generating $80 million in revenue for the federal government.
• Reinstating quarterly onshore oil and gas lease sales, generating $12 billion in revenue.
• Mandating at least 30 lease sales in the Gulf of America over the next 15 years and six in the Cook Inlet off the coast of Alaska , generating billions of dollars in new revenue.
• Returning to reasonable oil and natural gas royalty rates.
• Requiring geothermal lease sales, generating $23 million in new revenue.
• Resuming leasing for energy production in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge , generating over $1 billion in new revenue and savings.
• Resuming coal leasing on federal lands.
• Increasing timber sales on federal lands and requiring long-term timber contracts.
• Rescinding various wasteful slush funds established under the Biden administration in agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , the U.S. Forest Service , the National Park Service , and the Bureau of Land Management .
• Investing in water infrastructure in the West.
• Providing funding to celebrate America’s 250^th anniversary, including by establishing the National Garden of American Heroes.

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