Statement: HECHO applauds increased royalty rates for oil and gas production on federal lands

Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO) applauds the decision to increase federal oil and gas leasing royalty rates for new competitive leases to 18.75 percent, which will ensure a fairer return to taxpayers and prioritize investment in energy-producing states and communities.

The decision comes as part of a broader set of reforms for the federal oil and gas leasing program, led by the Department of Interior and Secretary Deb Haaland. The new administrative rules will increase royalty rates, increase Tribal consultation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, focus leasing in areas with existing infrastructure, avoid leasing lands with important wildlife habitat, and reduce the overall acreage available for leasing by more than 80 percent.

“This is a big step forward toward our future - one that accelerates the transition to renewable energy, protects sensitive cultural areas and important wildlife resources, and delivers a more just return on investment to taxpayers,” said Camilla Simon, Executive Director of HECHO. “Hispanic communities that rely on clean sources of groundwater, wildlife, and other natural resources will benefit from the reforms led by this Administration and Secretary Haaland. It is vitally important that we continue to look at other important reforms to the oil and gas leasing program to ensure that corporations are paying their fair share, protecting the environment, and being good stewards of our shared public lands. This is a great start, but we have more work left to do to ensure a safe and secure future for the next generation.”

This week, HECHO launched a set of radio and digital ads in Arizona and New Mexico, urging the Administration and Congress to take more aggressive action to curb the harmful impact of oil and gas in and around Hispanic communities. The Department of Interior’s federal oil and gas leasing reform report can be viewed here.