To: Members of the House Committee on Natural Resources
From: National Taxpayers Union
Date: April 21, 2026
Subject: NTU’s Views on April 21 Committee Markup
I. Introduction and Key Taxpayer Considerations
On behalf of National Taxpayers Union (NTU), the nation’s oldest taxpayer advocacy organization, we write to express our views on a measure slated for consideration before the House Committee on Natural Resources. NTU applauds the Committee for its continued efforts to advance legislation that improves government efficiency, cuts red tape, protects consumer choice, and boosts American energy production. As such, NTU strongly urges Committee members to support H.R. 1687.
II. Legislation NTU Supports at April 21 Markup
H.R. 1687, Committing Leases for Energy Access Now Act – Support. This bipartisan legislation, introduced by Reps. Fulcher (R-ID), Maloy (R-UT), Boebert (R-CO), Lee (D-NV), and Begich (R-AK), will help strengthen American energy production by providing much-needed leasing certainty for geothermal energy developers. Reliable access to domestic energy resources is essential to economic growth, affordability, and meeting rapidly increasing power demand across the country. To meet the moment, the federal leasing program needs more certainty, and this legislation requires annual geothermal lease sales on federally managed lands and mandates timely permitting decisions for geothermal drilling projects. By reinforcing a more predictable and consistent leasing framework, this legislation will help unlock private-sector investment, support high-quality job creation, and expand domestic energy production.
Just as importantly, it will provide greater stability for energy markets, helping to keep costs manageable for consumers and businesses alike. This approach restores confidence in the integrity of the permitting and leasing process while maintaining appropriate environmental safeguards.
III. Conclusion
Energy demands are expected to rise significantly in the years ahead, and it is crucial that preparations are made today. Removing government barriers will help meet the moment by expanding supply and ensuring reliability for the long term. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Thomas Aiello (Taiello@ntu.org).
Thank you for your consideration.