San Joaquin Times

U.S. President Donald Trump (R) said he will sign a bill that would block bans on fracking. That bill, currently pending in the U.S. Senate, was opposed by Rep. Josh Harder D-CA-09.

In February 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protecting American Energy Production Act (H.R. 26), according to Congress.gov. This legislation aims to prevent any President from unilaterally imposing a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) without explicit authorization from Congress. It passed the U.S. House on February 7, 2025 and is currently referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

The White House supported the bill in a statement: “Fracking has had a transformative impact on the U.S. economy and the oil and gas sector, positioning the United States as one of the world's leading producers of natural gas and oil. This Administration will continue to put America First and will guard United States national security through energy independence.”

Fracking has significantly benefited workers in the U.S. by creating jobs in the oil and gas industry, according to the American Petroleum Institute. The oil and natural gas industry supports approximately 10.3 million jobs in the United States. These jobs span a variety of sectors, including direct roles in exploration, drilling, and production. This contribution represents about 5.6% of total U.S. employment.

A 2024 study by the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association examined the economic consequences of banning hydraulic fracturing in New Mexico. The study estimates that such a ban would result in the loss of 142,000 jobs, a 15.8% reduction in the state's workforce, and a cumulative GDP loss of $86 billion through 2025. It also forecasts a $26 billion reduction in household income and a $16.3 billion decrease in tax revenues over the same period.

Josh Harder has represented California's 9th congressional district since 2023, after previously serving the 10th district from 2019 to 2023, according to his House website. Before entering Congress, he worked in venture capital and taught business at Modesto Junior College.