API Supports New Legislation to Cut Red Tape and Create Infrastructure Jobs

WASHINGTON, August 4, 2020 – The American Petroleum Institute (API) released the following statement today in response to legislation introduced by Sen. Cornyn (R-TX), which would provide additional certainty to the Nationwide Permit program.  

“We’re pleased the Senate realizes how critical energy infrastructure projects will be to rebuilding our economy and the importance of a predictable, commonsense permitting process,” Vice President of Midstream and Industry Operations Robin Rorick said. “Even with the Supreme Court’s recent order, continued uncertainty in the courts requires legislation that ensures all industries—including renewable energy, electricity, and telecommunications—can continue to rely on Nationwide Permits for infrastructure projects for years to come. That’s exactly what this bill will provide for projects across the country that create jobs, protect the environment and ensure access to affordable, reliable and cleaner energy for all Americans.”

The bill introduced today by Sen. Cornyn (R-TX) provides an efficient, short-term solution to restore regulatory certainty and allow continued development of critical infrastructure projects impacted by recent federal court decisions by ensuring that the U.S. Army Corps and project proponents could continue to rely on the nationwide permit program and on Nationwide Permit 12.

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.