Harriet M. Hageman

Rep. Hageman Introduces Bill To Shield American Energy Producers From Leftist Climate Litigation

Position: Rep. Hageman opposes state climate liability lawsuits and climate superfund laws targeting energy producers, arguing they threaten U.S. energy dominance and economic stability. The bill would prohibit retroactive climate liability proceedings and void state energy penalty laws.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman (R-WY) introduced the Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026 to protect American energy from leftist legal crusades punishing lawful activity. The shale revolution unlocked the United States as the world’s leading producer of crude oil and natural gas. U.S. energy dominance has since reinforced America’s diplomatic leverage while driving the domestic economy with the affordable, reliable power that keeps factories, farms, and hospitals operating. States passing so-called “climate superfund” laws, along with climate liability lawsuits, however, threaten to undermine American energy dominance by litigating producers out of business. State legislatures and environmental extremists are trying to scapegoat the same producers who keep America running with fines and lawsuits over legal production in the past, lawful activity in the present, and imagined transgressions in the future. The Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026 shields America’s energy producers from these relentless attacks, supporting our affordable energy sector, preserving American jobs, and restoring clarity to our nation’s energy policy. “Energy security is national security, and we will not self-sabotage our critical industries with a cascade of costly lawsuits and extreme penalties that jeopardize American drilling,” said Rep. Harriet Hageman. “America’s energy producers should be protected from the dangerous legal precedent that would be set by the retroactive punishment of lawful activity.” “We thank Senator Cruz and Rep. Hageman for introducing legislation to stop a growing patchwork of state laws and lawsuits that threaten American energy and risk raising costs for consumers,” said American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) President and CEO Chet Thompson and American Petroleum Institute (API) President and CEO Mike Sommers in a joint statement. “These efforts to retroactively penalize companies for lawfully meeting consumer demand are misguided and counterproductive. Congress should act decisively to reaffirm federal authority over national energy policy and end this activist-driven state overreach.” Background:  Climate liability lawsuits seek to hold energy companies financially or criminally liable, while superfund laws are designed to inflict multi-billion-dollar penalties for past emissions and other alleged contributions to “climate change.” Vermont and New York have both passed “climate superfund” laws, while legislators in at least 9 other states, including California, Hawaii, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Virginia, are considering similar proposals. The Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026: Prohibits retroactive climate liability lawsuits and other proceedings to implement or enforce an energy penalty law. Dismisses pending lawsuits and proceedings on the date of the bill’s enactment. Voids state energy penalty laws. Affirms that the Federal government maintains the exclusive authority and jurisdiction to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and other interstate environmental standards.

Natural Resources Committee Considers Hageman Bill to Unleash Coal Production in the Powder River Basin

Position: Rep. Hageman supports legislation to remove barriers to new coal leasing in Wyoming's Powder River Basin by modernizing bonus bid payment structures, extending payments over 10 years rather than requiring 20 percent upfront, to facilitate coal production and fund state education accounts.

Washington, D.C. - Today, the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources considered Rep. Hageman's bill to remove barriers to new coal leasing in Wyoming's Powder River Basin (PRB). Fourteen years of sustained attacks on American coal production have halted new leases in the Powder River Basin, which the Wyoming Energy Authority recently determined could cause shortages for the nation's ever growing power needs as early as 2030. Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Rep. Hageman, coal is rightfully back in favor and requires eliminating barriers imposed by the radical environmental lobby. President Trump ended the Obama era moratoriums on new leasing, while Rep. Hageman worked with her colleagues to terminate the PRB specific bans by repealing the Buffalo resource management plan issued by the Biden administration. The One Big Beautiful Bill removed the "Inflation Reduction Act's" increased production costs and mandated new leasing on federal lands. These reforms are having a positive impact for Wyoming coal, but there is more work needed to reverse the decades-long war on coal. In line with President Trump's executive order to revitalize the coal industry, H.R. 7872 removes barriers to new leasing by modernizing the bonus bid payment structure. Winning bids currently pay 20 percent of the bid up front, and then another 20 percent for the next four years. This upfront mandate is a financial deterrent and requires significant additional investment before long permitting timelines and well before a mine generates revenue. H.R. 7872 extends payment over 10 years, reducing this front-end hurdle for new leasing and creating more long-term certainty for the Wyoming K-12 education construction account funded by the bonus bids. Today's hearing was an important first step to keep up the momentum in support of Wyoming coal.

Congresswoman Hageman's Statement on Markwayne Mullin DHS Secretary Confirmation

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) released the following statement on the confirmation of Markwayne Mullin as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. "The Department of Homeland Security remains without funding but not leadership. Senator Markwayne Mullin’s historic confirmation as Homeland Security Secretary is a critical development for addressing America’s immediate safety needs. I hope the Senate will now move quickly to providing funding for this key agency protecting Americans in the face of heightened threats from those malignant actors who seek to do us harm."

Rep. Hageman Introduces Bipartisan Bill with Sens. Wicker, Welch to Examine Use of AI Speech-to-Text Technologies in Federal Courts

Position: The bill establishes a task force to examine the integration of AI speech-to-text technologies in federal courts, with focus on accuracy, privacy, civil liberties, and constitutional implications.

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman introduced the Research and Oversight of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Courts Act of 2026 with U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., U.S. Senator Peter Welch, D-Vt. This bipartisan legislation establishes a task force of judicial experts to examine the integration of AI speech-to-text and automatic speech (ASR) technologies in American courts. “Artificial intelligence is being integrated into every aspect of our society in the 21st century, including our court systems,” said Representative Hageman. “As an attorney for over three decades, I know our justice system demands precision and security. Congress must protect the integrity of our courts with vigorous oversight that remains up to date with emerging technologies.” “Artificial intelligence capabilities continue to expand and become part of daily life. Federal courts have begun using this technology to improve their processes. This legislation would examine the legal, technical, and constitutional implications of AI in the U.S. judicial system. Ensuring accuracy is critical to fair justice,” said Senator Wicker. “As the Senate’s only former public defender, I know it firsthand: Court reporters and captioners are irreplaceable. When it comes to the use of AI in the courtroom, there are still substantial privacy and civil liberty concerns that need to be addressed. Accuracy, privacy, and security are paramount,” said Senator Welch. “It is critical we allow experts who are actively working in the courts to weigh in on use of emerging AI speech-to-text services and technologies.” A new task force set up by the Research and Oversight of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Courts Act will assess civil liberty implications, privacy issues, and concerns over the accuracy of AI technology in federal courts. The 15-member team will include judges, prosecutors, clerks, or other employees of the federal government who either work for the National Institute of Justice or the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. The Research and Oversight of AI in Courts Act would create a task force to review: The costs and benefits of AI speech-to-text and automatic speech recognition technologies. AI’s impact on court record accuracy and litigants’ constitutional rights. Risks to cybersecurity systems, including vendor selection guidance and protections on privacy. The task force will be required to submit its findings to the Attorney General and Congress. The report is due 18 months after the task force is established. The Research and Oversight of AI in Courts Act is supported by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA). “Court reporters undergo extensive training and certification to provide the precise, secure transcription services our justice system requires,” said Dave Wenhold, Executive Director, NCRA. “While technology continues to evolve, human expertise remains irreplaceable in capturing complex legal proceedings.” For the full text of the legislation, click here.

WY Delegation Applauds Goshen Irrigation Tunnel Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis and Rep. Harriet Hageman, all R-Wyo., issued the following statements after the Department of Interior announced they will award $100 million from the Working Families Tax Cuts law to make necessary repairs of the Fort Laramie-Goshen irrigation canal tunnel that collapsed in 2019. This announcement comes after years of efforts by the delegation to secure the resources needed to finally complete the reconstruction process. “Today’s announcement is another example of how the Working Families Tax Cuts law is helping communities across Wyoming. After years of fighting to deliver a solution to this problem, we are proud to announce the Goshen Irrigation District is receiving the help it urgently needs to repair and restore its aging irrigation tunnel,” said Sen. Barrasso. “Wyoming and Nebraska are still feeling the impact from the 2019 tunnel collapse. It revealed major structural deficiencies that must be fixed. We will continue to work with Governor Gordon, the irrigation district and the Trump administration to ensure Wyoming is able to finally complete the reconstruction process.” “For over a century, the Fort Laramie Canal Tunnel has served as a critical pillar of agricultural life in eastern Wyoming. It’s a vital conduit for delivering water to thousands of acres of cropland stretching across Wyoming and Nebraska. I am tremendously pleased that the Trump administration is directing funds from the Working Families Tax Cuts law toward a lasting, permanent repair of the Fort Laramie Tunnel, ensuring our farmers and ranchers have the reliable water access they need to feed our nation and keep our rural communities strong,” said Sen. Lummis. “The Fort Laramie Tunnel has been a lifeline for southeastern Wyoming for more than a century and its sudden collapse brought hardship to many,” said Rep. Hageman. “The needs of this aging system represent how Washington must return to the kind of proactive approach to water infrastructure that made western life possible. The urgent $100 million provided by the Working Families Tax Cuts law in addition to the $14.6 million I secured in community project funding will keep this critical region of the west irrigated.” Background Information: In 2019, Irrigation Tunnel #2 on the Fort Laramie Canal collapsed, leaving more than 100,000 acres of cropland in Wyoming and Nebraska without water. After the collapse, inspections on Tunnel #1 on the same canal also revealed major structural deficiencies. New tunnels through the existing tunnel alignments are necessary to reinstate full operation for the Goshen Irrigation District in Wyoming and the Gering Fort Laramie Irrigation District in Nebraska. ###

Congresswoman Hageman Releases Statement on Court Decision Stalling Converse County Energy Development

Position: Opposes federal court decisions halting oil and gas drilling in Converse County, Wyoming, and argues that courts are overreaching into legislative authority.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) released the following statement after a federal judge halted drilling activity tied to the Converse County Oil and Gas Project in Wyoming. "The same activist D.C. judge who fought to thwart President Trump’s triumphant return in 2024 is now trying to derail the President’s historic energy agenda. Three years ago, Judge Tanya Chutkan was delivering the President a gag order to shut down his defense in criminal proceedings. Today she is shutting down Wyoming energy workers at the center of Trump’s promise to unleash America’s resource potential. Judge Chutkan’s latest decision to halt drilling in an area the size of Delaware marks the most recent assault of the left’s anti-Trump lawfare campaign. The ruling to inject more delays into carefully constructed and previously approved plans for the Converse County Oil and Gas Project is another affront to the rule of law. Rogue judges who substitute their feelings for legitimate jurisprudence demonstrate why Congress must work to reclaim its Article I authority and prevent routine legislation from the bench."

Congresswoman Hageman Introduces Bill to Cut Upfront Cost of Coal Production In Half

Position: Congresswoman Hageman introduced legislation to reform federal coal lease bonus bid payment schedules, extending the payment period from 5 to 10 installments to reduce upfront costs for coal producers on federal lands while maintaining government revenue.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) introduced legislation to reform bonus bids for coal producers on federal leases designed to cut upfront costs in half. One of America’s most reliable sources of affordable power is now being offered legislative relief after weathering decades of efforts to regulate coal out of business. Rep. Hageman’s bill reforms federal bonus bids under the Mineral Leasing Act to bring down the cost of coal production without sacrificing government revenue. Coal producers on federal land are currently required to make payments on an accelerated schedule of five installments over the immediate first four years following a lease. Slow permitting and development for federal coal leases, however, means bonus bid payments present significant financial burdens to fulfill upfront before revenue is even generated. Rep. Hageman’s bonus bid reform extends this fee schedule from a condensed five-payment structure to 10 equal installments over a longer timeline to reduce the initial cost of coal operations on federal lands. “Americans are reminded every year how coal keeps us warm in the winter, and cool in the summer,” said Rep. Harriet Hageman. “Reforming bonus bids on America’s coal producers will reduce more barriers on affordable, reliable power at the heart of the Republican agenda for energy dominance. Energy security is national security, and Wyoming will continue to reinforce U.S. energy dominance with affordable electricity as America’s number one coal producer since 1988.” “The Wyoming Mining Association applauds Representative Hageman’s continued work to improve an outdated leasing process to allow for companies to lease coal in today’s environment,” stated Travis Deti, the Executive Director of the Wyoming Mining Association. “Allowing companies a longer, more flexible payment schedule from 5 to 10 years will make acquiring leases more competitive and keep Wyoming coal strongly in the American energy mix.” “Wyoming’s energy and mining industries continue to benefit from strong leadership in Washington, and we appreciate Congresswoman Hageman’s ongoing commitment to supporting our state and its energy economy,” says Wyoming Energy Authority Executive Director Rob Creager. “This legislation will help unlock additional capital for coal producers and strengthen ongoing efforts to revitalize an industry that provides reliable baseload power to communities across the country. Supporting Wyoming’s energy sectors is essential to maintaining a strong and dependable American power system.” “Meeting America’s rapidly increasing demand for reliable and affordable energy requires significant, long-term investment in domestic energy projects. By providing greater flexibility for project financing, the bill supports the development of critical domestic resourcing while strengthening our supply chains and the communities that depend on them. I applaud Representative Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) for introducing this important legislation and appreciate her continued leadership in advancing policies that support American mining and energy security,” stated Rich Nolan, President and CEO of the National Mining Association. Background:  In the 119th Congress, President Trump and Congressional Republicans: Ended the Obama era moratorium on new coal leasing. Repealed the Biden era new leasing ban in the Powder River Basin, our nation’s largest source of coal, through Rep. Hageman's H.J. Res. 130, which terminated the no new leasing Buffalo Resource Management Plan. Mandated new coal leasing and reduced the federal coal royalty payments on federal lands through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Congresswoman Hageman’s Bill to Extend Tribal Land Leases Passes the House

Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives passed by unanimous consent bipartisan legislation by Congresswomen Harriet Hageman (R-WY) and Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) to foster economic development in tribal communities. Until 1955, land transactions with tribes required Congressional authorization, but the Long-Term Leasing Act allows tribes to lease their lands for up to 25 years without Congressional approval. Today, lease periods of up to 99 years are often needed for commercial leases and certain financing contracts. This bill proactively extends to tribes the authority to lease trust lands for up to 99 years to meet modern business contracts and reduce Washington, D.C. bureaucracy that stands in the way of tribes making the best decisions for their communities. "The advancement of this bipartisan legislation marks an important step toward unlocking greater economic opportunity in tribal communities," said Rep. Hageman. "Tribes know far better than federal bureaucrats what is best for their members and their economic future. By extending lease terms up to 99 years, we are restoring decision-making authority where it belongs and providing tribes the certainty they need to build lasting prosperity for their communities." “Rep. Hageman’s bill empowers tribes by providing greater flexibility over trust lands through long-term leasing authority. By authorizing leases of up to 99 years, this legislation gives tribes and lenders the long-term certainty needed to finance housing, commercial projects and critical infrastructure in Indian Country. Rep. Hageman’s work strengthens tribal self-determination by placing development decisions in tribal hands,” said Chairman Bruce Westerman. Background: Congress passed the Long-Term Leasing Act in 1955 which authorizes trust land to be leased by the Indian owner for 25 years, which may be renewed for one additional period. Congress has acted more than 50 times to allow for lease terms greater than 25 years. As business opportunities and economic considerations change, private businesses desire leases longer than 25 years, and 99 year terms are often needed for long-term commercial leases and in some financing contracts. This bill would proactively extend the 99 year lease authority to all federal recognized tribes, expediting economic development by reducing bureaucracy

Congresswoman Hageman Releases Statement on Decisive Action Against Iran

Position: Congresswoman Hageman supports President Trump's military strikes against Iran, characterizing them as necessary action against state-sponsored terrorism and Iran's nuclear program. She also opposes Democratic efforts to shut down the Department of Homeland Security during the current security situation.

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) released the following statement regarding President Donald J. Trump’s decisive military action against Iran’s terror regime: “Last weekend, President Trump unleashed joint-Israeli strikes to decapitate the Iranian regime behind decades of state-sponsored terrorism around the world. Congress has been in close contact with administration officials as the White House works to eliminate the Iranian threat once and for all. Tehran’s jihadist government is finally faced with the reckoning for hundreds of American casualties killed at the hands of Iran’s savage leadership. Iran’s history of killing American troops, supporting terrorist networks, and refusal to cooperate in good-faith diplomacy made their nuclear-arms campaign a crusade that must be stopped. Cabinet members will continue to brief Congress this week while American forces heroically fight to counter Iranian retaliation. The House of Representatives will also vote to end the Democrats’ shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. Nothing could be more reckless than for Democrats to continue holding a national security agency hostage over political purposes when Americans are faced with heightened threats from overseas. May God bless America and our troops.”