API supports Army Corps Proposal to Reissue Key Infrastructure Permits

WASHINGTON, August 4, 2020 – The American Petroleum Institute (API) released the following statement today in response to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) release of the proposed renewal of over 50 Nationwide Permits (NWPs) for the next five years.  

“Nationwide Permits are integral to America’s infrastructure and to a broad spectrum of our nation’s industries. These permits are important to getting our economy moving and putting people back to work. Renewing NWPs is a common-sense step in the ongoing reform of our country’s outdated permitting process,” Senior Vice President of Policy, Economics and Regulatory Affairs Frank Macchiarola said. “The NWP system ensures that projects meet the Corps’ high threshold for environmental and safety standards, while helping projects to stay on schedule and preventing costly delays. We wholeheartedly endorse the NWP renewal, and are committed to working with the Corps to finalize the rule.”

Nationwide Permits are general permits issued by the Corps on a nationwide basis to fast-track authorization of relatively minor development activities. They serve the crucial purpose of implementing Congressional intent to create a streamlined permitting process for similar activities that result in minimal environmental impacts.

API represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Our more than 600 members produce, process and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry supports more than ten million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization. In our first 100 years, API has developed more than 700 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.