(The Center Square) – In accordance with the Big Beautiful Bill, the U.S. Department of the Interior is making changes to promote U.S. energy production – including in oil, gas, coal and timber – with an expert saying that such moves will protect the nation.
The Heritage Foundation’s Director of the Center for Energy, Climate and Environment Diana Furchtgott-Roth told The Center Square that “increases in energy production will insulate America from supply shocks caused by international events.”
Furchtgott-Roth explained that “during the Iran-Israel conflict, oil prices temporarily rose from $65 to $75 a barrel and then went right down again, because America’s oil supply drives prices, rather than OPEC supply.”
Interior Department Press Secretary Charlotte Taylor told The Center Square: “President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act directs the Department of the Interior to boost U.S. energy production which creates jobs and helps lower everyday costs from gas to groceries.”
“Increasing American energy production also strengthens our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign energy and reinforcing reliable domestic supply chains,” Taylor said.
“The Department is proud to carry out the Trump administration’s Energy Dominance Agenda,” Taylor said.
The Department of the Interior’s changes will affect onshore and offshore oil and gas development, coal, water infrastructure and hydropower, as well as forestry, according to a news release.
Tthe Interior Department said that the changes are needed “to ensure the responsible management of our natural resources and public lands.”
Federal royalty rates for on and offshore gas and oil development as well as for coal have been reduced. Changes will take place in leasing for these areas too, with a mandate being given “to increase the availability for lease of 4 million acres of public lands with known coal reserves.”
Additionally, a permit to drill for oil or gas onshore “will now be valid for a four-year period” upon approval.
As far as it concerns water infrastructure and hydropower, “an accelerated permitting process for major water infrastructure projects, including dams, canals and reservoirs,” will be adopted while “access to hydropower development will be expanded on federal dams.”
Timber sales will be expanded, “increasing by 20 million board feet annually,” the release said.
“From boosting American energy production and revitalizing the clean coal sector, to accelerating domestic mineral development, expanding timber harvesting and cutting burdensome regulations, the Department of the Interior – under Secretary Burgum’s leadership – is delivering results and advancing President Trump’s bold agenda through the One Big Beautiful Bill,” the release said.
The changes follow Trump’s signing of the Big Beautiful Bill, with the release saying that “the sweeping legislation is a major win and critical component of the Trump administration’s Energy Dominance agenda.”
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in the release of the changes taking place: “This marks a significant shift in how we manage our public lands, support energy development and work with local communities.”
As The Center Square previously reported, the Interior Department ended preferential treatment toward “unreliable” wind and solar power.
Diana Furchtgott-Roth told The Center Square about the importance of fossil fuel production. “U.S. production of fossil fuels allows affordable, reliable electricity that keeps inflation low and allows energy-intensive manufacturing to grow, creating a strong economy and jobs,” Furchtgott-Roth said.
“Such production keeps America and its allies independent from China,” Furchtgott-Roth said.
“Countries and U.S. states that rely on wind and solar have higher electricity prices,” Furchtgott-Roth said. “Fossil fuels are needed to keep America competitive in data centers and artificial intelligence.”
