Permitting Reform: A Critical Issue for US Energy Security and Global Competition
At the National Governors Association (NGA) conference in Washington, Oklahoma Republican Governor Kevin Stitt emphasized the urgent need for permitting reform in the energy sector. Stitt highlighted the disparity between the lengthy approval process for energy projects and the actual construction time, underscoring the detrimental impact this has on the nation’s ability to compete with countries like China in terms of cyberthreat prevention and energy dominance.
The need for reforming permitting processes was a prevalent theme among the governors, who expressed bipartisan consensus on the issue. They recognized the significance of making responsible progress towards a future secure from foreign actors in both cybersecurity and energy development.
Stitt emphasized that permitting reform is crucial for national security, as the US possesses the resources to provide affordable and reliable energy to its allies. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum echoed this sentiment, stating that America is in constant competition with adversaries such as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.
Burgum highlighted the importance of winning the AI arms race with China, as it is essential for preventing bot-powered attacks that can surpass the capabilities of human hackers. Such attacks have the potential to disrupt critical infrastructure, including the electric grid, without the need for physical invasion.
"We’re in a competition… against other countries that aren’t slowing themselves down with the level of bureaucracy that we have," Burgum emphasized, underscoring the urgency of streamlining permitting processes.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has implemented an order requiring his state government to decide on infrastructure permit applications within two weeks or refund the applicant. Stitt praised Shapiro’s initiative and issued a similar order in Oklahoma to ensure the state does not lag behind.
Shapiro presented the results of an audit that identified 3,400 pending permit applications, leading him to mandate cataloging for future applications. Pennsylvania remains a prominent energy producer, with over 7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas produced in 2023.
Despite the state’s energy legacy, there has been ongoing debate over fracking, with previous moratoriums and subsequent reversals. Shapiro indicated a balanced approach to developing the state’s resources responsibly.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster expressed optimism about the accessibility and cooperation offered by the Trump administration. He emphasized the availability of cabinet secretaries’ personal contact information and the president’s invitation for direct communication.
In conclusion, the NGA conference highlighted the critical need for permitting reform in the US energy sector. Governors from both parties recognized the urgency of streamlining processes to enhance national security, facilitate global competition, and ensure responsible energy development. The shared commitment to addressing this issue demonstrates a willingness to prioritize the nation’s long-term energy security and economic competitiveness.
