Cotton Seeks Emergency Measures to Boost US Oil Output Amid Iran War Price Spike

US Senator Tom Cotton has urged the Interior Department to accelerate oil and natural gas development in an effort to curb rising energy prices. In a letter sent to Secretary Doug Burgum on Tuesday, September 2, 2026, Cotton emphasized the need for an administration-wide effort to increase domestic supply.

The move comes as the ongoing war in Iran has led to record-high gas prices, with August 2026 being the most expensive month ever according to AAA. Last week, President Donald Trump stated that the US is taking steps to address the situation.

Cotton's letter requests that the Interior Department utilize all emergency authorities to speed up development and increase domestic oil and gas supply.