Yassamin Ansari Questions Why Oil Companies Get Priority During Government Shutdown

Representative Yassamin Ansari is questioning why some federal government work has continued during the shutdown while other programs have stopped, especially those that affect public safety.

Ansari serves as the ranking member of the House Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee with Representative Jared Huffman. They have sent a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

The letter asks why certain agency functions have continued while others affecting public safety have been paused, as is particularly relevant to Arizona, which has extensive federal lands managed by both departments and faces significant wildfire risks each year. 

According to Ansari's letter, these agencies have issued more than 300 oil and gas drilling permits since the shutdown started. They've also moved forward with mining projects and held sales of coal-mining rights. 

Meanwhile, they've closed visitor centers at national parks, canceled controlled burns that help prevent bigger wildfires, and sent home workers who typically respond to fires and natural disasters.

The administration says keeping fossil fuel operations running is a "national energy emergency." However, Ansari and Huffman point out that renewable energy projects, such as a massive solar farm under construction in Nevada, have been put on hold.

Antideficiency Act

This raises questions about the Antideficiency Act. That law says government agencies can only keep working during shutdowns if there's a real emergency involving people's safety or protecting property. The lawmakers are asking whether regular drilling permits really count as that kind of emergency.

Ansari is apprehensive about the wildfire season. Arizona and other Western states depend on federal workers to help prevent and fight wildfires. With those workers sent home and fire-prevention work halted, communities could face greater danger when fires break out.

The congresswoman has requested documents showing which work continued during the shutdown, how officials made those choices, and why oil and mining work was labeled an emergency. 

She's waiting for answers as the shutdown continues.