API urges permitting reform to support U.S. energy infrastructure growth
(WO) — The American Petroleum Institute (API) told U.S. senators this week that reforming the federal permitting system is critical to meeting rising energy demand and advancing new infrastructure investment across the U.S. energy sector.
Testifying before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, API Senior Vice President of Policy, Economics and Regulatory Affairs Dustin Meyer said growing energy demand—driven by economic growth, electrification and emerging technologies—will require faster, more predictable approvals for major infrastructure projects.
Meyer argued that delays in federal permitting increase project costs, discourage investment and limit the ability of energy markets to respond to consumer demand. He said uncertainty surrounding environmental reviews and legal challenges has become a significant barrier to new development.
API called for targeted reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Clean Water Act and the federal judicial review process. Meyer emphasized that changes should focus on clearer project scopes, improved coordination among agencies, enforceable timelines and greater certainty once permits are approved.
According to API, permitting reforms must also address what happens after approvals are issued, ensuring projects can proceed without prolonged litigation or unexpected delays. Meyer said without durable permits, even streamlined review processes will fall short of delivering infrastructure on needed timelines.
API’s recommendations include enforcing statutory deadlines, limiting reviews to direct project impacts, establishing clearer standards for legal challenges and maintaining environmental protections while modernizing the permitting framework.
The testimony comes as policymakers debate how to accelerate infrastructure development amid rising energy demand and continued pressure on costs across the U.S. economy.
