New executive orders give more choice to natural gas customers, says AGA
In a concerted effort to “unleash American energy,” President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders designed to streamline federal processes surrounding energy infrastructure development.
“Outdated and burdensome federal guidance and regulations cause confusion and uncertainty, leading to project delays, lost jobs and reduced economic performance,” the Trump administration said in a White House news release.
Trump’s new orders would open the door for more natural gas pipelines and exports of liquefied natural gas—and lessen states’ abilities to block them.
Specifically, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is ordered to review and update outdated guidance regarding certification under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, and the U.S. Department of Transportation will update its regulations to reflect the modern LNG development ongoing in the United States.
The executive order also addresses regulatory and permitting barriers to financing new energy infrastructure and prioritizes the safe operation of existing infrastructure on federal lands. Trump’s executive order also clarifies that any decision to issue or deny a permit shall be made solely by him.
American Gas Association President and CEO Karen Harbert applauded the executive orders, saying they “clear the way for development of new natural gas pipelines, enabling greater access to natural gas, thereby benefiting American families and our environment.”
AGA also favors the streamlined approval process that puts energy choice more squarely where it should be—on the American consumer.
“When states say ‘no’ to the development of natural gas pipelines, they force utilities to curb safe and affordable service and refuse access to new customers, including new businesses. Limiting access and choice for Americans—driving up costs and emissions in the process—is simply bad policy,” Harbert said.
U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions are at 25-year lows, thanks to increased use of natural gas, which will continue to reduce greenhouse emissions, AGA said.
“Americans deserve a choice when it comes to their energy, and enabling the development of natural gas pipelines gives them an opportunity to choose reliability, affordability and a clean energy future,” Harbert said.