Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC— This week, Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19) joined Reps. Ron Estes (KS-4) and Kevin Hern (OK-01) in introducing the Marginal Well Protection Act, legislation that would prevent the EPA from levying excessive methane emission fees for marginal wells – wells that produce less than 15 barrels of oil and less than 90 Mcf (90,000 cubic feet) of natural gas per day. Marginal wells are small, often family-owned wells with around 15 employees or fewer that produce almost 7.5% of entire US oil production. 

 “After months of uncertainty because of President Biden’s energy retreat, our oil and gas producers now face hostile policies contained in the Democrat’s tax and spend package,” said Rep. Jodey Arrington. “I applaud Congressman Estes for his introduction of the Marginal Well Protection Act, which will prohibit the EPA Administrator from imposing a punitive methane fee on wells that produce less than 15 barrels a day. This legislation will protect our independent producers from the Democrats’ assault on the American oil and gas industry. Ultimately, their policies will only impede our global competitiveness, energy independence, and as we have already seen—the price will be borne by American families with higher energy prices.”

“Kansas has a rich history in powering our world, and independent oil and gas producers fuel economic growth and innovation in our state,” said Rep. Ron Estes. “This common sense legislation protects small producers from burdensome fees that harm workers and Kansas families.”

“Domestic oil producers are struggling while energy costs continue to rise. Biden is begging our foreign adversaries to produce more oil but actively preventing domestic companies from doing the same,” said Rep. Kevin Hern. “We need to protect our small oil and gas producers here in Oklahoma and around the country from Biden’s harmful policies. I’m proud to join my colleague Ron Estes on this bill to ensure American companies are powering American communities and homes.”

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  Congressman Jodey Arrington is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives serving the Nineteenth Congressional District of Texas. He serves as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.