Washington, DC – Senator Joe Manchin, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, expressed his support for Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261 in a statement released today. The sale, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), highlights the United States' commitment to utilizing its abundant resources to enhance energy security.

According to Senator Manchin, the IRA is an all-encompassing energy security bill that not only strengthens the country's current energy production but also invests in innovative and clean energy technologies. He emphasized the significance of last year's IRA mandate, which ensured the continuation of federal oil and gas leasing. As a result, the United States has witnessed a surge in high bids for new offshore leases in 2023, generating over $600 million in revenue to reduce the national debt.

Senator Manchin acknowledged the challenges faced by Lease Sale 261, including numerous attempts by the administration to cancel, shrink, or delay the sale. However, he commended the fact that the sale is taking place today, highlighting its importance for energy security and as evidence of the opportune moment to invest in American energy production.

The Senator's statement underscores the positive impacts of the IRA and Lease Sale 261, emphasizing the country's increased energy security and the economic benefits derived from the sale. Through continued investment in energy production and the utilization of domestic resources, the United States is poised to maintain its position as a global energy leader.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.energy.senate.gov/2023/12/manchin-statement-on-lease-sale-261