(WO) — U.S. oil and gas industry groups are backing a bipartisan Senate permitting reform package, calling for Congress to move quickly on legislation intended to accelerate federal approvals and provide greater certainty for energy and infrastructure projects.
The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 is being advanced by Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). The package proposes changes to federal permitting and environmental review processes affecting energy and other major infrastructure development.
The Energy Workforce & Technology Council (EWTC) urged lawmakers to act on the legislation before leaving Washington for recess, arguing that continued permitting delays create uncertainty for project investment and employment.
“This bill is an excellent bipartisan permitting reform package that goes a long way in ensuring that America can start building again,” EWTC President Tim Tarpley said. “Every additional delay means more uncertainty for not only projects and investment, but the jobs America needs.”
The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) also backed the proposal, highlighting the effects of permitting delays on smaller independent producers. IPAA President and CEO Edith Naegele said the legislation would provide “clear and enforceable timelines, greater levels of certainty, and fewer unnecessary delays” while maintaining environmental and safety standards.
The American Petroleum Institute (API) said the package would modernize the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), reduce duplicative reviews and litigation, and increase certainty for energy projects.
“The bipartisan package would modernize NEPA, reduce duplicative reviews and unnecessary litigation, and provide greater certainty for critical projects,” API President and CEO Mike Sommers said.
The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), which represents offshore energy interests, similarly welcomed the Senate agreement. NOIA President Erik Milito cited permit certainty, enforceable timelines, more predictable judicial review and greater accountability as provisions that could improve investment conditions for major U.S. energy projects.
The legislation remains pending in Congress. The industry groups are urging lawmakers to build on previous House permitting efforts and advance a bipartisan package through both chambers.
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