Multi-Association letter to House Energy and Commerce Supporting H.R. 2910

Dear Chairman Walden and Ranking Member Pallone:

The undersigned associations are writing to express our support for H.R. 2910, legislation introduced by Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX) to improve interagency coordination in the review of proposed natural gas pipelines. The legislation is scheduled for consideration by the Energy Subcommittee on June 22 and has our united support.

The need for new energy infrastructure has never been more important, as new natural gas supplies have changed the market and presented new opportunities for our economy to take advantage of this abundant and low-cost energy resource. Unfortunately, the permitting process has become more protracted and challenging in recent years. We need a process that is fair, comprehensive, and ensures commonsense cooperation and timely decision-making.

H.R. 2910 would strengthen the role of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as the lead agency under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for jurisdictional natural gas projects. The bill would also encourage concurrent review of permit applications by the multiple federal and state agencies involved in reviewing projects. The provisions of the legislation would improve interagency coordination, and incentivize the development of a single and more fulsome NEPA analysis by the lead agency, working in conjunction with other participating agencies. In short, the provisions in H.R. 2910 strengthen the original intent of NEPA and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 in advancing a coordinated review of proposed natural gas pipeline projects.

We urge the Committee to report H.R. 2910 in the near future, and we look forward to working with you on its adoption by the full House of Representatives.

Respectfully,

American Chemistry Council
American Council of Engineering Companies
American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers
American Gas Association
American Petroleum Institute
American Pipeline Contractors Association
American Public Power Association
Consumer Energy Alliance
Distribution Contractors Association
Edison Electric Institute
Energy Equipment and Infrastructure Alliance
Independent Petroleum Association of America
Interstate Natural Gas Association of America
Laborers’ International Union of North America
National Association of Manufacturers
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
Natural Gas Supply Association
North America’s Building Trades Unions
Plastics Pipe Institute
U.S. Chamber of Commerce