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Interior secretary tours Permian Basin oil sites with Congressman Pfluger

May 8-U.S. Rep. August Pfluger, whose 11th Congressional District includes the Permian Basin, has brought numerous colleagues in Congress, as well as regulators, to the Permian Basin to tour oil and natural gas sites.

His most recent guest was Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who toured a Diamondback Energy facility with Pfluger and others.

Pfluger has frequently explained that he conducts these tours to show his colleagues and regulators how the Permian Basin oil and gas industry operates, to introduce them to the people doing the work, and to illustrate the Permian Basin's contributions to the nation's economy and security.

After touring a Diamondback e-frac site, industry executives and local leaders joined Pfluger and Burgum for a roundtable discussion.

"This week's visit with Congressman Pfluger to a critical Diamondback Energy operation underscored why President Donald J. Trump's American Energy Dominance Agenda is so important to the future of our nation," said Burgum in a statement. "Expanding and unleashing domestic energy production in regions such as the Permian Basin is a matter of both economic strength and national security because every barrel produced supports American jobs, strengthens our economy and reduces dependence on foreign adversaries. The Trump administration is grateful for the hardworking men and women on the ground who are helping power a new era of American strength and innovation through the production of reliable, affordable energy, and we will continue advancing responsible energy development, cutting unnecessary red tape and unleashing America's full energy potential for the benefit of every American."

In a statement, Pfluger said, "As the crown jewel of American energy production, the Permian Basin is the cornerstone of American jobs, national security, and economic prosperity. It was a privilege to welcome Secretary Burgum to see its impact firsthand. From touring a Diamondback e-frac site to a productive roundtable with industry leaders, our focus was on advancing practical solutions for today's challenges. Secretary Burgum has been a strong leader in advancing commonsense deregulatory efforts and fostering a more predictable regulatory environment that allows businesses to thrive. The world depends on the Permian Basin, and together, we are focused on unleashing its full potential."

Kaes Van't Hof, chief executive officer and director of Diamondback Energy, called it an honor to host Burgum and Pfluger "and highlight the technology and people behind Diamondback's operations."

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