The American Petroleum Institute (API) has introduced a policy roadmap aimed at reforming the United States' permitting system. The organization is calling on Congress to modernize this system to facilitate access to affordable and reliable energy amid increasing demand and high electricity costs. API's plan suggests specific steps for comprehensive solutions, such as reducing bureaucratic hurdles, establishing clear deadlines, and providing legal certainty.
"American energy is ready to go, but Washington’s broken permitting system is standing in the way," said API President and CEO Mike Sommers. He emphasized the need for Congress to implement reforms that ensure access to secure energy resources. "As energy demand rises, critical infrastructure to deliver it is stuck behind red tape. It’s time for Congress to act on durable reforms that ensure access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy – because when America builds, America wins."
The roadmap includes several key reform areas:
- Enforcing statutory timelines under the Clean Water Act.
- Eliminating last-minute information roadblocks.
- Improving permitting timelines on federal lands and waters.
- Establishing a uniform process for cross-border energy projects.
The plan also advocates setting clear timelines for legal challenges and maintaining project momentum once reviews are complete. Additionally, it calls for clarifying limitations on actions subject to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and prohibiting the use of the social cost of carbon in reviews.
API has launched a TV and digital advertising campaign highlighting bipartisan support for these reforms. More information can be found at www.permittingreformnow.org.
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