The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released two studies from the National Petroleum Council (NPC) that propose ways to improve the permitting process and modernize energy infrastructure in the United States. The NPC is a federal advisory group that includes members from the oil and natural gas industries, academic institutions, and other stakeholders. These studies were requested by Secretary of Energy Chris Wright as part of a review called “Future Energy Systems” and align with President Trump’s policy goals on expanding domestic energy production and infrastructure.
Secretary Wright stated, “For years, the Biden Administration advanced policies that made it harder to produce American energy. The National Petroleum Council’s findings confirm what President Trump has said from day one: America needs more energy infrastructure, less red tape, and serious permitting reform. These recommendations will help make energy more affordable for every American household.”
Kyle Haustveit, Assistant Secretary for the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office at DOE, added, “The studies represent a significant collaborative effort to tackle some of the most complex challenges in our energy infrastructure. The National Petroleum Council recommendations will be instrumental in guiding the Department’s strategies for enhancing grid reliability and streamlining the development of essential energy projects.”
One study examines how increasing demand for natural gas and electricity is putting pressure on pipelines in several U.S. regions. It suggests solutions such as encouraging investment in new and existing infrastructure, improving market regulations through better planning by FERC Regional Transmission Organizations/Independent System Operators (RTO/ISOs), creating new pricing models for changing gas flows, ensuring compensation for reliable power generation from gas-fired plants, and establishing accountability standards.
The second study builds on previous work by outlining reforms to speed up government approval processes for oil and natural gas projects. Recommendations include clarifying environmental review requirements under current laws like the National Environmental Policy Act, expediting legal reviews of environmental cases, updating general permits to speed project approvals, expanding regulatory authority for faster authorization of natural gas projects by FERC, using commercial agreements as proof of market need under the Natural Gas Act, setting predictable federal timelines for approving projects, and limiting state powers under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.
Both reports emphasize that timely action is needed from policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders to ensure continued reliability and affordability in America’s energy system. Full details are available on DOE’s website.
