API backs bipartisan Senate bill to accelerate U.S. energy permitting
WASHINGTON (WO) — The American Petroleum Institute (API) is urging Congress to advance a bipartisan Senate permitting reform package aimed at accelerating federal reviews and reducing delays for U.S. energy and infrastructure projects.
The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 was introduced Sept. 30 by Sens. Shelley Moore Capito, Mike Lee, Sheldon Whitehouse and Martin Heinrich following months of negotiations. The legislation would revise federal environmental review and permitting procedures for energy and infrastructure projects.
Among its provisions, the bill would establish timelines for federal reviews, modify requirements governing legal challenges and provide greater certainty for projects that have already received permits. It also includes targeted provisions for energy projects and changes affecting transmission infrastructure and growing power demand from data centers.
API President and CEO Mike Sommers urged Senate leaders to bring the legislation to the floor when lawmakers return in November and complete work on the package this year.
The oil and gas trade group has argued that lengthy federal reviews and litigation increase project costs and delay infrastructure needed to meet rising U.S. energy demand. API cited an ICF analysis commissioned by the organization estimating that comprehensive permitting reform could reduce residential electricity costs by a cumulative $55.6 billion from 2026 through 2035 while supporting 705,000 jobs and nearly $24 billion in tax revenue by 2030.
The legislation has drawn support from organizations representing both conventional and renewable energy interests, although some environmental groups have raised concerns that portions of the package could weaken environmental review and limit legal challenges to projects.
The Senate is expected to take up the permitting package after the November midterm elections. The proposal could still be amended as it moves through Congress.
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