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 and benefit customers.

Wyoming Mining Association Executive Director Travis Deti stated, “Wyoming has the resources we need to power our nation, but our country’s broken permitting system leaves some of our most essential resources stranded in the ground. The Energy Permitting Reform Act will slash bureaucratic red tape that threatens energy and mineral production across Wyoming.”

Rob Creager, Executive Director of the Wyoming Energy Authority, commented, “Reforming the permitting process for energy projects is long overdue and absolutely essential in an energy powerhouse state like Wyoming.”

Petroleum Association of Wyoming President Pete Obermueller noted, “This legislation represents a significant step forward in ensuring that our industry can operate more efficiently, quickly and transparently.”

Western Energy Alliance expressed gratitude towards Senators Manchin and Barrasso: “Western Energy Alliance thanks Chairman Manchin and Ranking Member Barrasso for permitting reform that enables access to more of the nation’s energy resources.”

The Utah Petroleum Association also voiced support: “Utah Petroleum Association applauds Senators Barrasso and Manchin for introducing the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024.”

North Dakota Petroleum Council President Ron Ness emphasized the importance of the bill: “The North Dakota Petroleum Council (NDPC) strongly supports the bipartisan Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 introduced by Senators John Barrasso and Joe Manchin.”

Colorado Oil & Gas Association leaders Dan Haley and Chelsie Miera stated their approval: “We applaud this bipartisan effort to proactively reduce some of the red tape...”

New Mexico Oil & Gas Association expressed its backing: "New Mexico Oil & Gas Association supports and thanks Chairman Manchin and Ranking Member Barrasso..."

Andrew Browning from Western States and Tribal Nations Energy Initiative remarked on the bill's impact: “…This bill will help enshrine that spirit into law with concrete reforms...”

Texas Alliance of Energy Producers along with Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma supported the legislation as well: “…We express our strong support for the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024…”