Western Energy Alliance Thanks Western Governors’ Association for Letter Opposing the President’s Leasing Ban

​DENVER – In response to a letter sent to President Biden by the Western Governors’ Association that details numerous economic and community benefits that result from oil and natural gas development on public lands, Western Energy Alliance released the following statement attributable to President Kathleen Sgamma:
 
“It’s encouraging to see a bipartisan letter that reflects the balance achieved in the West among various energy sources while protecting the environment. Western governors are practical leaders who understand that a one-size-fits-all leasing ban issued from Washington is not the way to govern effectively, but simply disadvantages the West. The presidential decree does not change the energy that all Americans use, but merely shifts production to other areas of the country without significant public lands.

​“We thank Governors Brown and Little and the Western Governors’ Association for highlighting the energy balance achieved in the West. Only a very small portion of public lands is leased (26.2 million acres out of 700 million, an historic low) with an even smaller amount containing oil and natural gas activity (about 480,000 acres, or .07% of all public lands.) The governors raise their voices along with counties, school superintendents, regulators, and other westerners who understand the true ramifications of the president’s misguided ban on federal leasing and the real sacrifice he’s foisting upon western states.”

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