National Energy Associations Support Senate’s Bipartisan Effort to Expedite Energy Permitting and Bolster American Energy Security

WASHINGTON – The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), Energy Workforce & Technology Council, U.S. Oil and Gas Association (USOGA), Western Energy Alliance, National Stripper Well Association, National Ocean Industries Association, Gulf Energy Alliance, International Association of Drilling Contractors, SE Oil and Gas Association, Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association, and Texas Alliance of Energy Producers joined together to issue a letter of support for the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, introduced by Senate Energy & Natural Resources Chairman Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY). Collectively, the signatories represent over 80% of our nation’s energy.

The bipartisan legislation seeks to strengthen American energy security by accelerating the permitting process for critical energy and mineral projects of all types in the United States.

“After listening to the concerns and frustrations of users of multiple-use lands across the industry, Senators Manchin and Barrasso worked together to help reduce much of the unnecessary red tape that hampers independent producers operating on federal onshore and offshore lands,” said IPAA COO and EVP Dan Naatz. “They have put forward a permitting reform package that will improve coordination, reduce permitting wait times, remove the LNG export ban, and restore certainty to the Gulf of Mexico leasing process. This legislation increases American energy security and IPAA appreciates the Senators’ thoughtful approach to these important issues.”

“As our nation’s energy demand continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, the urgency for action is clear. Streamlining the permitting process is crucial to building the necessary infrastructure quickly,” said Energy Workforce President Tim Tarpley. “This reform is essential to maintaining America’s energy leadership and competitiveness. Ending the LNG permitting pause is a critical step to unlocking our energy potential. I urge both parties to support and pass this vital legislation within this Congress. Our energy future and economic security depend on it.”

 “The federal permitting process has become horribly calcified – to the point of where obtaining any type of permit has become an exercise in futility for a small business who wants to do work with the federal government,” said USOGA President Tim Stewart. “This problem impacts everyone from energy to outfitters and guides. This legislation is a significant first step forward in fixing a permitting process that is in desperate need of repair.”

“Western Energy Alliance thanks Chairman Manchin and Ranking Member Barrasso for permitting reform that enables access to more of the nation’s energy resources, particularly on federal lands, and helps to reduce energy inflation,” said Kathleen Sgamma, President of Western Energy Alliance. “Oil and natural gas require multiple federal approvals for everything from exploration and leasing to drilling, transportation, and export, and this bill reduces many points of bureaucratic delay and red tape. We are excited about this bipartisan effort to remove impediments to production and improve the delivery of energy to all Americans.”