A coalition of eight oil and natural gas trade associations has expressed strong support for the bipartisan "Standardized Permitting and Expediting Development Act" (SPEED Act). The bill, introduced by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), aims to reform permitting processes that impact energy production in the United States.
The coalition includes the Independent Petroleum Association of America, Energy Workforce & Technology Council, Gulf Energy Alliance, International Association of Drilling Contractors, National Ocean Industries Association, Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, U.S. Oil & Gas Association, and Western Energy Alliance. Together, these groups represent over 80 percent of domestic oil and natural gas production in the country.
In a letter to lawmakers, the group criticized the current scope of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements as overly complex due to court rulings and agency implementations. They argue that this complexity hinders innovation and job creation while delaying infrastructure projects.
Dan Naatz from the Independent Petroleum Association of America said that the SPEED Act offers "a balanced effort of environmental stewardship and timely decision making needed for economic investment." Tim Tarpley from Energy Workforce & Technology Council emphasized that cutting red tape would ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
Erik Milito from the National Ocean Industries Association praised Representatives Westerman and Golden for their leadership on modernizing America's permitting system. Karr Ingham from Texas Alliance of Energy Producers highlighted the need for additional pipeline capacity to support growth in production.
Tim Stewart from U.S. Oil & Gas Association remarked on regulatory challenges holding back industry progress. Melissa Simpson from Western Energy Alliance noted ongoing legal battles related to NEPA deficiencies.
The full letter supporting the SPEED Act is available online.
Information from this article can be found here.
