US oil and gas producers pressure House to pass pivotal permitting bill and get America ‘back on track’
A coalition of U.S. oil and gas producers is putting pressure on House Speaker Mike Johnson to expedite the approval of a major permitting reform bill. In a letter sent on Wednesday, the group emphasized the urgent need for the House to pass the legislation quickly. They believe that this reform is vital for attracting new investments in domestic oil and gas projects, enhancing national energy security, and revitalizing other long-delayed energy infrastructure initiatives.
The letter, signed by several prominent oil and gas industry organizations representing a significant portion of domestic fossil fuel production, urged House Republicans to promptly pass the Energy Permitting Reform Act, also known as the 2024 bill authored by Senators Joe Manchin and John Barrasso. The group views this legislation as a crucial step to streamline processes for producers under the second Trump administration.
While acknowledging that the bill is just the initial phase of comprehensive permitting reform, the coalition emphasized the importance of passing it now and advancing additional reforms, such as those proposed by Chairman Bruce Westerman in the Natural Resources Committee. Combining the bill with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reform efforts could garner more support from House Republicans.
The signatories of the letter included major industry groups like the Gulf Energy Alliance, the U.S. Oil & Gas Association, and the Independent Petroleum Association. They highlighted a study from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory showing that the average time for new U.S. energy infrastructure projects to become operational has more than doubled since 2000, from two years to over five years. These delays discourage investment and jeopardize energy security, with many projects being canceled due to funding loss or prolonged timelines.
Erik Milito, President of the National Ocean Industries Association, emphasized the urgency of the Energy Permitting Reform Act, stating that it is essential for establishing a robust national energy and permitting policy framework. Simplifying the permitting process can boost domestic energy production while maintaining environmental safeguards, reinforcing America’s commitment to leading in energy production, economic prosperity, and environmental stewardship.
In his presidential campaign, Donald Trump pledged to unleash U.S. energy production, including oil and gas, and criticized the Biden administration for setbacks in the sector. He blamed the administration for a focus on electric vehicle manufacturing, the closure of aging power plants, and the rise in energy prices, particularly in states like Pennsylvania.
As pressure mounts on Speaker Johnson and House Republicans, the industry groups are pushing for swift action on the permitting reform bill. By aligning with NEPA reform efforts, they hope to expedite processes, attract investments, and bolster national energy security. Fox News Digital has reached out to Speaker Johnson’s office for comment on the letter.
