VVF Supports the End Speculative Oil and Gas Leasing Act of 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. Vet Voice Foundation strongly supports the End Speculative Oil and Gas Leasing Act of 2020 introduced by Senator Cortez Masto on January 16, 2020. This bill would end the practice of leasing low and no potential lands for oil and gas drilling by requiring the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to assess all lands’ oil and gas development potential before offering those lands for lease, and prohibiting leasing on any lands found to have low or no development potential. Our members across the West rely on these lands and do not want to see them auctioned off to the lowest bidder.

“The End Speculative Oil and Gas Leasing Act of 2020 would end speculative leasing, mitigate environmental risks, and enhance opportunities for recreation, conservation and responsible clean energy development. This bill would ultimately hold our government accountable for threatening our environment and wildlife,” said VVF Western States Director & Iraq War Veteran, Kate Hoit. “Many know America’s public lands are vital to veterans as they transition back to civilian life—and this harmful practice of selling off our lands to the oil and gas industry needs to end. We urge our members to support this bill to help preserve our lands for future generations.”