In a statement posted on its website, the Energy Workforce & Technology Council (EWTC) said a coalition of oil and gas trade associations “has issued an urgent call to House Speaker Mike Johnson for immediate action on permitting reform before the close of the 118th Congress”.
The coalition represents over 80 percent of U.S. domestic production, according to the statement, which revealed that the group comprises the EWTC, the Gulf Energy Alliance, the International Association of Drilling Contractors, the Independent Petroleum Association of America, the National Ocean Industries Association, the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, the U.S. Oil & Gas Association, and the Western Energy Alliance.
“In a letter to Speaker Johnson, the coalition highlights an alarming trend: the average time for energy infrastructure projects to go from initial permitting to operation has more than doubled, from two years in 2000 to over five years in 2021,” the statement noted.
“This significant delay is deterring investment, impedes the nation’s ability to meet future energy demands, and jeopardizes national energy security,” it added.
The statement highlighted that the coalition’s letter advocates for the passage of the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which the statement said “will expedite the federal approval process for major energy infrastructure projects and accelerate agency reviews”.
“This legislation is seen as a crucial first step towards comprehensive reform that could unlock billions in infrastructure investments,” the statement highlighted.
According to the Congress website, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 was introduced by Senator Joe Manchin in July. It still needs to pass the House, the Senate, and go to the President before becoming law, the site outlines. A statement posted on Machin’s website in July announced that Manchin and Senator John Barrasso had released the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024.
The EWTC statement also noted that the letter expresses support for additional NEPA reforms being drafted by Chairman Westerman in the Natural Resources Committee. It went on to say that the coalition “remains committed to working with Congress to achieve the common goal of American energy dominance”.
“This push for reform comes as the U.S. faces increasing pressure to bolster its energy security amid global instability,” it added.
“Streamlined permitting is essential for the U.S. to fully leverage its vast energy resources and maintain its position as a global energy leader,” it continued.
In the statement, EWTC President Tim Tarpley said, “we’re at a critical juncture for American energy”.
“Permitting reform isn’t just about cutting red tape – it’s about securing our energy future, creating jobs, and maintaining our competitive edge globally. The recent election results clearly demonstrate the American people’s support for unleashing the power of domestic energy production, and they want action now,” he added.
Kathleen Sgamma, the president of Western Energy Alliance, said in the statement that “permitting reform would reduce energy inflation by enabling access to more of our nation’s resources, particularly on federal lands in the West”.
“Oil and natural gas require multiple federal approvals for everything from exploration and leasing to drilling, transportation, and export. The bipartisan Manchin/Barrasso plan reduces many points of bureaucratic delay and red tape. We hope Congress will move quickly to remove these impediments and improve the delivery of energy to all Americans before the current session ends,” Sgamma added.
Jason McFarland, President of the International Association of Drilling Contractors, said in the statement that “the current trajectory of the permitting process is not sustainable”.
“Congress should rein in inefficient practices, cut bureaucratic red tape, and eliminate growing confusion. There is tremendous opportunity for bipartisan support given the widespread impacts of permitting delays across all facets of the economy,” he added.
“Lawmakers have the opportunity to come together and show the American people that Washington can still accomplish great things, when necessary,” he continued.
Erik Milito, the president of the National Ocean Industries Association, highlighted in the statement that “the Energy Permitting Reform Act must be treated as an urgent priority”.
“With the transition to a new Congress and administration on the horizon, this legislation is crucial for establishing a strong national energy and permitting policy framework that will drive federal support for American offshore energy well into the future,” he added.
“By simplifying the permitting process, we can boost our domestic energy production while maintaining stringent environmental safeguards. These reforms reaffirm America’s commitment to leading the world in energy production, global economic prosperity, and robust stewardship of the environment,” he continued.
Dan Naatz, Independent Petroleum Association of America COO and EVP, said, “as the association that represents independent oil and natural gas producers in more than 30 states across the United States and offshore, our member companies are developing the wells that bring Americans the oil and natural gas we need”.
“With permitting reform, our members can more efficiently, safely and reliably move their product to market so the United States has a reliable energy supply. IPAA urges swift action by Congress on legislation to improve permitting and the NEPA process,” Naatz added in the statement.
U.S. Oil and Gas Association President Tim Stewart noted in the statement that, “looking down the road for the next hundred days and beyond, the new administration and Congress have a very, very full plate of things that need to be done”.
“It makes sense to clear a path that allows rapid implementation of some very big ideas in the future. While it’s not everything, it is a lot of what most industries need. Let’s get this done,” he added.
Rigzone has contacted Johnson’s camp, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, Westerman, the U.S. Department of Energy, the White House, and the Trump transition team for comment on the EWTC statement. At the time of writing, none of the above have responded to Rigzone’s request for comment yet.
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