A bipartisan group of more than a dozen governors released a package of reform priorities to improve federal permitting and regulatory processes for critical energy infrastructure projects. In a letter to congressional committee leaders, the National Governors Association, co-chaired by Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, called on Congress to enact reforms to ensure federal permitting processes are streamlined and administered in a technology-neutral and apolitical manner that allows energy projects of all types to move forward.
“This isn’t a Republican or Democrat issue. Every American needs to heat their home and power their vehicle,” said Gov. Stitt. “As the demand for energy rises as we bring new technologies and AI online, we need to complete energy infrastructure projects in a faster, more efficient way. I’m thankful to Governor Shapiro and our fellow Governors who participated in this task force for their innovative ideas to make American energy more accessible for everyone.”
Amid rising demand for electricity to serve computing, industrial, manufacturing, building and transportation needs, the governors developed reform recommendations across the following categories: Streamlining Federal Agency Reviews, Reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Reforms to Interstate Energy Transmission, Reforms to Nuclear Energy Regulation and Reforms to the Clean Water Act.
The following governors are participating in the Governors Energy and Infrastructure Working Group on behalf of all 55 states and territories:
- Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt – NGA Chair, working group co-chair
- Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro – working group co-chair
- Maryland Governor Wes Moore – NGA Vice Chair
- Colorado Governor Jared Polis
- Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont
- Indiana Governor Mike Braun
- Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry
- Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey
- North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong
- Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee
- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee
- Utah Governor Spencer Cox
- Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon
“When it comes to energy infrastructure, we need to move from no and slow, to yes and now,” said NGA vice chair Gov. Moore. “Permitting reform can help lower costs, modernize the electric grid, and create clean energy jobs for Maryland families. Commonsense energy policy is a bipartisan priority to get rid of government gridlock without sacrificing environmental safety. I’m proud of this bipartisan group of Governors for coming to the table and finding a set of commonsense solutions we believe can meet the moment.”
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