The House of Representatives has passed two energy bills that introduce targeted reforms to the federal government’s permitting and siting policies for oil and natural gas pipelines.
The House today passed the following bills:
H.R. 2883, Promoting Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Act, authored by committee members Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Rep. Gene Green (D-TX), would:
- Replace the Presidential Permitting approval needed before constructing an oil and gas pipeline or electric transmission line that crosses a border with Canada or Mexico with a more transparent, efficient, and effective review process.
- Reestablish Congress’ authority and promotes the value of trade between the U.S. and our North American allies which exceeded $140 billion in 2015.
H.R. 2883 passed the House by a vote of 254-175.
“The construction of these border-crossing facilities should be done effectively – without getting caught up in our nation’s politics. This bipartisan piece of legislation allows a transparent and efficient process to be followed the same way every time for every project.”
H.R. 2910, Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act, authored by committee member Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX), would:
- Address the critical need to expand and modernize the nation’s natural gas pipeline infrastructure by promoting more timely and efficient reviews.
- Strengthen FERC’s lead agency role and bring greater certainty, accountability, and transparency to the siting process for interstate natural gas pipelines.
H.R. 2910 passed the House by a vote of 248-179.
“Thanks to the shale energy revolution, America is one of the world’s top producers of natural gas, [but] some areas of the country lack necessary pipeline infrastructure. This lack of infrastructure leads to unnecessarily inflated costs for electricity for both consumers and job creators,” Flores said in a statement.
“Our focus has been and will continue to be building America’s energy infrastructure, creating jobs, and strengthening our economy. H.R. 2910 and 2883 are important pieces of legislation that will streamline the permitting process for building energy infrastructure which in turn strengthens our economy, creates jobs, and increases our energy security,” added Subcommittee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI).
