This was something of a no-brainer, considering that newly-elected Rep. Vance McAllister (R-LA) owns a pipeline company servicing the oil and gas business. The Republican leadership in the House would be nuts not to put somebody who actually understands the natural gas business on Natural Resources.

So they did. A press release…

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) today announced that newly-elected Representative Vance McAllister (LA-05) will join the Natural Resources Committee.  In addition, Rep. Mark Amodei (NV-02) and Rep. Chris Stewart (UT-02) will both be departing the Natural Resources Committee to join the House Committee on Appropriations.

“I look forward to working with Rep. Vance McAllister and believe he will be a great addition to the Committee.  Vance understands the importance of responsible American energy production and the job and economic benefits it not only brings to his state, but to our entire country.  I welcome his expertise and am confident that he’ll be a strong voice and leader for the people of Louisiana,” said Chairman Hastings.

“I also want to thank Reps. Mark Amodei and Chris Stewart for all their hard work on this Committee.   From advancing critical mineral legislation to being advocates for increased access to our public lands and resources, their work has had a big impact.  I wish them all the best on the Appropriations Committee where I know they will continue to champion issues important to the West.”