Statement by Ryan Alexander, President of Taxpayers for Common Sense on Secretary Jewell speech today on Nation’s Energy Future:

“For too long, oil companies have been burning natural gas on public lands or releasing into the atmosphere without paying a dime. Taxpayers have lost more than $380 million from 2006 through 2013. The waste has gone on long enough. We’re glad to hear Sec. Jewell reaffirm the Interior Department’s commitment to stop this wasteful practice on our public lands. It’s high time that Interior Department better protects the American taxpayer and eliminates the outdated idea that oil companies can simply waste natural gas without paying for it.  We hope Secretary Jewell and the Bureau of Land Management follow through with a strong rule.”