(WO) — Fossil fuel and green energy groups alike have joined forces, in an effort to reform what they call a “broken permitting system,” according to Fox News. A coalition that includes the American Petroleum Institute, Independent Petroleum Association of America and the American Clean Power Association sent a letter on Monday morning, urging Congress to pass “meaningful and durable legislation” to develop energy infrastructure across the nation.
According to the letter, “the single biggest obstacle to building the infrastructure of the future is a broken permitting system.” While the groups sit on opposite ends of the political spectrum, the coalition agrees that “building new energy production, transmission, and distribution projects promises to improve energy reliability and reduce emissions.”
In April 2022, the Biden administration reversed rules that increased project efficiency. Now, the National Environmental Policy Act requires oil and gas drilling projects to undergo several permitting rounds that often take years to complete. Rep. Garret Graves (R-La) said that permitting reform “is a way to significantly reduce the cost and timeframe associated with implementing projects.”
The letter comes as the House considers H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act (LECA), a bi-partisan proposal that aims to bolster U.S. energy production while reforming permitting laws. Back on March 15, API President and CEO Mike Sommers sent a letter to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), expressing API’s support for H.R. 1. “Real, lasting change comes from bi-partisan, common-sense, economically-sound solutions. We all share the common goals of providing reliable energy to Americans; enhancing our energy security; cementing our energy independence for years to come; and making energy safer, cleaner, and more affordable,” Sommers wrote at the time.
His March 15 letter continued, “API and our members are encouraged by this Congress’ efforts to enact such change, which will make a measurable and meaningful impact in the lives of many. We look forward to continuing to collaborate on solutions that make a difference and commend this exciting step toward enacting permitting reform this year.”
This story was originally reported by Fox News.
