Central Wyoming News

A broad group of stakeholders and experts have expressed support for the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) and U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV). The legislation aims to secure future access to oil and natural gas resources on federal lands and waters, end President Biden’s ban on new liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, and address the Rosemont court decision impacting hard rock mining on federal lands. Additionally, it seeks to ensure that new transmission lines improve electric reliability.

Anne Bradbury, CEO of the American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC), stated: “In order for the American economy to compete on the global stage in the twenty-first century, we need to develop infrastructure projects that support the rising demand for energy. That's why AXPC is proud to support Chairman Manchin and Ranking Member Barrasso's permitting reform bill, as it would end the Biden-Harris administration’s LNG export approval ban and streamline leasing and permitting for energy projects on federal lands.”

Dan Naatz, COO and EVP of the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), remarked: “IPAA applauds Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Manchin and Ranking Member Barrasso for their collaborative effort in producing the bipartisan Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024. 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.”

Rich Nolan, President and CEO of the National Mining Association (NMA), emphasized: “The status quo on mine permitting is no longer an option; the time to reform our permitting process is now. Our manufacturing sector’s ability to produce consumer and energy goods America needs is currently tied to China’s willingness to continue providing materials that feed those supply chains.”

Pete Obermueller, President of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming (PAW), commented: “This legislation represents a significant step forward in ensuring that our industry can operate more efficiently, quickly, and transparently. By addressing issues such as federal oversight, lease nominations, and fees, this bill supports responsible resource development.”

Mark Compton, Executive Director of the American Exploration & Mining Association (AEMA), noted: “Our inefficient federal permitting system is a significant deterrent to attracting investment in the United States... Importantly, this legislation addresses the flawed Rosemont decision by providing much-needed certainty that mineral projects can reasonably use federal land for mine support activities.”

Western Energy Alliance (WEA) expressed gratitude towards Senators Manchin and Barrasso for "permitting reform that enables access to more of the nation’s energy resources."

Erik Milito, President of National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), stated: "There is broad bipartisan consensus on streamlining permitting... We welcome this introduction."

Amanda Eversole from American Petroleum Institute (API) highlighted: “At a time of persistent inflation... This legislation not only takes tangible steps toward a more transparent... process but also ends [the] LNG export permit pause.”

Charlie Riedl from Center for LNG added: “The Center for LNG supports [this act]... It includes important provisions [for] regulatory certainty...”

Fred Hutchison from USLNG Association said: “[It] ‘ticks all our big boxes’ with regard to fixing DOE’s LNG decision-making process.”

The U.S. Oil & Gas Association supported it by saying: "The federal permitting process is horribly calcified..."

Andrew Browning from Western States Tribal Nations Initiative remarked: “…This bill will help enshrine that spirit into law with concrete reforms…”

Tommy Faucheux from Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association concluded: "The Energy Permitting Reform Act provides much-needed reform…"