In his 2012 State of the Union Address, President Obama claimed that “American oil production is the highest that it’s been in eight years.” But a new Congressional Research Service (CRS) report, released today and requested by Senate Budget Committee minority staff, found that the overwhelming majority—96 percent—of the increase occurred on land not owned by the federal government. In fact, in 2011, oil production on federal lands declined by an average of 275,000 barrels per day, while production on non-federal lands increased by 395,000 barrels per day. Additionally, because of burdensome regulatory and environmental reviews, new oil production offshore has virtually ground to a halt.

“Increasing domestic production on public lands would create jobs, reduce the deficit, decrease our trade imbalance, grow the economy, and place downward pressure on gas prices,” said Sessions. “America has potentially more oil resources than almost any nation on earth. The people of Alabama, and across the country, have a right to benefit from its exploration. I hope President Obama will reverse course. Through determined and bold action, America can become the dominant producer in the worldwide energy market. Instead of transferring our wealth overseas, other nations will send their money overseas to us.”