ICYMI: Reschenthaler, Armstrong Lead HEAT Members to Visit Gas and Oil Sites in Pennsylvania, North Dakota
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressmen Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) and Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.) led two delegations of House Energy Action Team (HEAT) members to visit the Bakken oil fields in North Dakota on Monday, and a natural gas extraction, production, and processing facility in Pennsylvania last Friday.
Congressman Armstrong led co-chairs Reps. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), and Reps. Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.), Jason Smith (R-Mo.), and Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), on a tour of multiple operations of an oil field in Waterford City, from drilling to gas production. The group learned how technology has transformed the oil and gas industry.
Congressman Reschenthaler led Reps. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) and Carol Miller (R-W.Va.) on a tour of the operations of Range Resources and MPLX Energy Logistics in Washington County, Pa. During the tour, they visited an active drill site, a production well, and the Houston Plant, where ethane, propane, methane, and butane are separated and shipped via pipeline, rail, and truck to consumers. The group saw firsthand how natural gas is developed, processed, and transported to markets throughout the world. New extraction methods for natural gas have led to an energy renaissance for our nation, making the U.S. the largest energy producer in the world.
Read below for Members' thoughts on these visits and the power of American energy.
"Thanks to the pro-energy policies of President Trump and Republican leadership, we are seeing the massive economic, consumer, and environmental benefits that the natural gas industry can provide," said Rep. Reschenthaler. "I was proud to welcome my fellow HEAT members to southwestern Pennsylvania to see firsthand how the natural gas renaissance is reinvigorating our state and local economies. I look forward to working with Whip Scalise, Co-chairs Mullin and Duncan, and the other HEAT Members to promote ideas that encourage innovation and lead us towards American energy independence."
"America is energy independent – a tremendous national security asset – in large part because of the shale revolution in the Bakken," said Rep. Armstrong. "The trip was a major success in equipping each of my colleagues with firsthand knowledge about how the plays in the Bakken and Three Forks formations have reduced U.S. reliance on foreign oil and why Congress needs to support an all-of-the-above energy transportation strategy to overcome the continuing logistical challenges in getting the oil and gas resources to consumers."
"As the Co-Chair of the House Energy Action Team, it was important for me to see the Bakken oil fields in North Dakota first-hand to learn about the innovation taking place to further American energy dominance," said Rep. Duncan. "Domestic energy production, like what is taking place in North Dakota, is critical to the security of the United States and important to our all-of-the-above energy matrix that will continue to elevate the U.S. as the energy superpower."
"Today, we saw firsthand how the natural gas industry in North Dakota benefits our entire country," said Rep. Mullin. "This dependable energy source is helping us keep the lights on for families at a price they can afford, decrease our dependence on foreign oil, and reduce our emissions. We should continue to support an industry that ensures a better, cleaner future for all Americans and allows consumers to drive the energy market using an ‘all-the-above' approach."
"Oil and natural gas are critical components of America's diverse energy portfolio. Seeing the drilling and production processes up close help us as members of Congress to better understand domestic energy production which ensures American energy dominance," said Rep. Lesko. "Thank you to Rep. Armstrong for hosting us in North Dakota today for this important tour."
"Technological advancements like we've seen implemented on the Bakken have allowed the United States to become the world's dominant energy producer, lessening global impacts when rouge countries like Iran try to influence energy supply and prices. This technology has also allowed the U.S. to tap into clean, abundant, low-cost natural gas, reducing both our contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs for American consumers and industry," said Rep. Westerman. "While we are improving the quality of life and the environment through innovation, other countries like China and Russia are greatly increasing their emissions. I'm eager to apply all that I've learned on this trip to future hearings and legislation."
"Abundant, affordable and reliable natural gas is as important to consumers as it is to our nation's energy security. Thanks to the natural gas revolution – made possible by technological and engineering ingenuity – America is now energy independent. Thanks to Rep. Reschenthaler for inviting HEAT to see Pennsylvania's natural gas operations in person. We'll take what we learned on the ground to shape the debate in DC," said Rep. Armstrong.
"Production in American natural gas, coal, and oil industries are critical to ensuring energy security, economic security, and national security," said Rep. Miller. "Congressmen Reschenthaler and Armstrong are leaders in energy innovation, and I am impressed by their commitment to provide jobs and strengthen the economy. I look forward to our continued partnership on the HEAT Team."