Rep. Lauren Boebert Questions Doug Burgum on Gray Wolf Delisting and Energy Policy

Delisting the Gray Wolf

• 📌 Representative Boebert introduced legislation, HR 845, the Pet and Livestock Protection Act, to delist the gray wolf from the Endangered Species Act due to recovered populations.
• 💡 She highlighted economic losses faced by ranchers and farmers in Colorado due to wolf depredation.
• 🎯 Secretary Burgum stated that gray wolves, along with grizzly bears and wolves in northern Minnesota, are under review, and the department follows science and law.
• 🔑 He expressed that exceeding recovery numbers should be a cause for celebration, likening the Endangered Species Act to 'Hotel California' where species can be listed but not easily removed.

Water and Energy Legislation

• 💧 Boebert also discussed HR 131, the Arkansas Valley Conduit, a vital water project aimed at providing clean drinking water to 50,000 Coloradans, seeking commitment for its completion.
• ⚡ Regarding HR 1, the OOT triple B bill, she focused on energy permitting reforms, including provisions to process drilling permit applications under valid leases and extend permit terms to four years.
• 🚀 Secretary Burgum affirmed that streamlining energy permitting is a core priority, citing successful pilot projects that dramatically shortened environmental assessment timelines.

Oil and Gas Leasing Rules

• 📈 Boebert raised concerns about a BLM rule finalized in April of last year, which she believes constricts oil and gas leases on federal lands and threatens US energy independence.
• ⚠️ She questioned how the department plans to address this rule-making under Secretary Burgum's leadership.