Our industries power America’s economy, keep supply chains moving, and provide the affordable, reliable energy families count on. But a broken federal permitting system is blocking the infrastructure our industries and our future depends on.

Pipelines, powerlines, roads, and bridges are trapped in a maze of outdated laws, endless approvals and predatory lawsuits. Opponents exploit statutes like NEPA and the Clean Water Act to delay or kill projects, driving up costs, threatening energy reliability, and putting good jobs at risk. 

Permitting reform isn’t just about oil and gas — it also supports projects like power generation and transmission, transportation, carbon capture and hydrogen infrastructure, among others. 

What’s broken and how we can fix it: 

1. Well-intentioned laws like the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA) are being weaponized to trap even shovel-ready projects in court for years. Congress needs to modernize these outdated processes, set firm timelines, and make sure reviews stay focused on real impacts.
2. Lengthy lawsuits are stalling progress. Even after projects pass every review, lawsuits can be used to increase costs and block construction. These legal delays don’t improve environmental outcomes — they just drive up costs and kill jobs. Congress should limit who can sue and how long they have to do it, so approved projects can actually get built. 
3. Permitting should be consistent and predictable. Today, many agencies and states play by different rules, leading to confusion, duplication, and years of back-and-forth. Congress should create one clear, modern permitting process that applies across federal and state agencies — giving builders the certainty they need to invest, hire, and get to work.