Gas and oil coalition urges Congress to pass permitting reform before end of current term

A group of United States oil and gas companies recently sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson that urged Congress to pass a major permitting reform bill before the close of the current legislative session.

The letter centers on the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which was introduced in the Senate by Independent West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin earlier this year. The bill has not passed either the House or Senate so far, per Rigzone.

The Energy Workforce & Technology Council (EWTC) released a statement on the letter, claiming that the length of time it takes for energy and infrastructure projects to be completed has significantly increased in recent years.

“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 said. “This significant delay is deterring investment, impedes the nation’s ability to meet future energy demands, and jeopardizes national energy security."

The coalition said Manchin's bill will "expedite the federal approval process for major energy infrastructure projects and accelerate agency reviews," and is critical for the U.S. maintaining its role as a global energy leader.

“We’re at a critical juncture for American energy," Energy Workforce President Tim Tarpley said in a statement. “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."

The groups, which represent approximately 80% of the U.S. domestic production, include 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.

Johnson has not responded to the letter so far.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.