House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) released the following statement after the Department of the Interior, after years of delay, finally approved nearly 4,000 natural gas wells near Vernal, Utah:

“If the Obama Administration had simply done its job instead of playing politics, this project would already be well on its way to creating nearly 3,000 jobs and generating $5 billion in revenue. Unfortunately, this Administration is not taking seriously America’s energy security or the livelihoods of those who have been counting on employment from these natural gas wells. This project has been held up for years by the EPA and the Interior Department while unemployment and a weak economy continue to hurt American families. It is sad that what should be a minor Record of Decision for one project in Utah instead becomes a signature achievement of this Administration—especially given their long record of blocking energy development. Do they believe Utahns don’t remember that one of the very first actions of this Administration was to withdraw 77 oil and natural gas leases in the state? There seems to be no end for this Administration’s ability to play games with America’s energy production and job creation.”

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