GOP Pushes Bill Fast-Tracking Fracking, Logging, And Mining On Public Lands

The House Natural Resources Committee advanced a portion of the GOP budget package this week that would open vast swaths of public lands to private oil and gas extraction, logging, and coal and mineral mining—while fast-tracking permits and slashing oversight of proposed fossil fuel projects, Mike Ludwig reported for Truthout.

The committee’s contribution to what Republicans are calling the “big, beautiful bill” to implement and fund President Trump’s agenda passed by a nearly party-line vote. I Photo: Joshua Doubek Wikimedia Commons 

If signed into law, the bill would require the Interior Department to lease out Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Cook Inlet, and Western Arctic region for oil and gas extraction—moves long opposed by Indigenous groups and environmental advocates.

It would also compel the U.S. Forest Service to sign long-term agreements with timber companies and direct federal agencies to increase logging in U.S. forests by 25%, while rescinding protections for old-growth trees.

The committee’s contribution to what Republicans are calling the “big, beautiful bill” to implement and fund President Trump’s agenda passed by a nearly party-line vote.

California Rep. Adam Gray cast the only Democratic vote in favor. In a statement, Gray said he disagrees with major portions of the bill and would oppose the final GOP package if it includes Medicaid cuts.

Rep. Jared Huffman, a Democrat from California and ranking member on the committee, accused Republicans of sacrificing the public’s natural resources to fund tax cuts that primarily benefit the ultrawealthy.