Oil and Gas Producers to Congress: Pass the Permitting Bill or Risk Energy Gridlock!

A coalition of U.S. oil and gas producers is revving their engines, sending Congress a message that’s louder than a semi barreling down the highway: Pass the Energy Permitting Reform Act or risk slamming the brakes on America’s energy future. In a letter sent December 12, these energy powerhouses laid it all out, emphasizing that this legislation is the key to attracting investment, bolstering energy security, and finally jump-starting those stalled infrastructure projects gathering dust.

This coalition, representing 80% of domestic fossil fuel production (basically the MVPs of America’s energy scene), is calling the 2024 Energy Permitting Reform Act a game-changer. Crafted by Senators Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), the bill promises to cut through the bureaucratic jungle that’s been slowing down energy projects like a bad traffic jam.

The Permitting Problem: Energy Stuck in the Slow Lane

Once upon a time, back in 2000, energy projects zipped through permitting in just two years. Today? It takes over five years—that’s longer than some TikTok trends stick around! And let’s not even mention the projects that never see the light of day thanks to endless red tape.

The data is sobering. Delays in the permitting process have skyrocketed, discouraging investment and making it nearly impossible for vital energy projects to get off the ground. These delays are not just a burden for producers; they’re a full-on roadblock for America’s energy independence.

Industry experts have compared the current permitting process to running a marathon in quicksand—exhausting, inefficient, and nearly impossible to finish without some serious reforms. The coalition’s letter is a clarion call to Congress: If we want to stay competitive, we need to switch gears now and pave a smoother road for energy projects.

Congress, It’s Time to Step on the Gas

The coalition isn’t asking Congress nicely—they’re hitting the horn. They argue that passing the Energy Permitting Reform Act is the first critical step in a much bigger journey toward comprehensive permitting reform. Pairing this bill with updates to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), led by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), could make it an even sweeter deal for lawmakers.

“This isn’t just about energy projects; it’s about jobs, the economy, and putting America back in the driver’s seat of global energy leadership,” the letter said, revving up the urgency. With the 118th Congress hitting its final stretch as of December 24, the clock is ticking louder than ever.

In addition to creating jobs and spurring economic growth, passing this legislation would send a strong message to investors: America is open for business. By reducing the time and costs associated with permitting, the Act would help unlock billions of dollars in new energy investments, giving the U.S. a competitive edge in the global energy market.

Industry Titans Sound the Alarm

The letter’s signatories include heavyweights like the Gulf Energy Alliance, the U.S. Oil & Gas Association, and the Independent Petroleum Association. Together, they’re sending a clear signal to Congress: Act now or risk leaving America’s energy future idling.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. National Ocean Industries Association President Erik Milito described the bill as a necessary lifeline for the energy sector. “This bill is about more than cutting red tape; it’s about securing America’s spot as a global energy leader,” said Milito. “We can have both economic prosperity and environmental stewardship—this bill gets us there.”

The coalition also highlighted how delays impact consumers, with rising energy costs being a direct consequence of stalled projects. With energy prices spiking over 50% in some states, the need for streamlined permitting has never been more urgent.

The Stakes Have Never Been Higher

Former President Donald Trump’s rallying cries to “frack, frack, frack” and “unleash American energy” have added fuel to the debate. Trump has pointed to the current administration’s focus on electric vehicles and plant closures as a brake on U.S. energy potential, while rising energy costs continue to spark frustration.

Analysts warn that without action, the U.S. risks falling behind in the race for energy dominance. Nations like China are ramping up their energy production, while America’s projects remain tied up in bureaucratic limbo. The Energy Permitting Reform Act represents a chance to reverse this trend and position the U.S. as a leader in global energy production once again.

Whether the Energy Permitting Reform Act passes on its own or gets paired with broader reforms, one thing is certain: America’s energy sector is ready to hit the gas. The only question is whether Congress will clear the road or let America’s energy future stall out.

A Path Forward

The coalition emphasized that this bill is only the beginning. Comprehensive permitting reform will require further legislative action and bipartisan cooperation. But the Energy Permitting Reform Act is the critical first step—a signal to the world that America is serious about energy leadership.

“We’re not just asking for change—we’re demanding it,” the coalition declared. The road ahead is clear, Congress. Let’s roll.

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Sources:

• IPAA: Coalition Calls for Urgent Permitting Reform
• Fox News: U.S. Oil & Gas Producers Pressure Congress
• Reuters: U.S. Energy’s Wish List for Trump
• Financial Times: Chevron CEO Blames Biden for Energy Prices
• AP News: Trump’s Promises for Expedited Permits