BILLINGS, Mont. – The Trump administration has awarded energy companies hundreds of breaks on payments for oil and gas extraction from U.S.
lands and the Gulf of Mexico during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a government database and federal officials.The breaks on royalty and rental payments are intended to help companies with workforce problems or other issues after the pandemic caused fuel demand to temporarily plummet worldwide.
Critics argue the breaks on government fees are unnecessary industry handouts that in some cases are benefiting companies with histories of environmental violations.
Prices for oil have rebounded in recent weeks, topping $39 a barrel for West Texas crude on Wednesday after dropping below $13 in late.