The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released two studies from the National Petroleum Council (NPC) that recommend steps to modernize the nation’s energy infrastructure and streamline federal permitting processes. The studies address issues in gas-electric coordination and oil and natural gas infrastructure permitting, highlighting the need for reforms to support grid reliability and increase domestic energy production.
The NPC, a federal advisory committee to the Secretary of Energy, consists of representatives from oil and natural gas industries, academia, and other stakeholders. These studies were conducted at the request of Secretary of Energy Chris Wright as part of an examination into “Future Energy Systems.” The effort supports President Trump’s agenda focused on expanding American energy production, building infrastructure, and ensuring affordable and reliable energy for families.
“For years, the Biden Administration advanced policies that made it harder to produce American energy,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “The National Petroleum Council’s findings confirm what President Trump has said from day one: America needs more energy infrastructure, less red tape, and serious permitting reform. These recommendations will help make energy more affordable for every American household.”
“The studies represent a significant collaborative effort to tackle some of the most complex challenges in our energy infrastructure,” said DOE Assistant Secretary for Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Kyle Haustveit. “The National Petroleum Council recommendations will be instrumental in guiding the Department’s strategies for enhancing grid reliability and streamlining the development of essential energy projects.”
One study titled “Reliable Energy: Delivering on the Promise of Gas-Electric Coordination” examines how increasing demand for natural gas and electricity is straining pipelines in certain regions. It suggests practical solutions such as encouraging Congress, federal agencies, and industry to reform permitting procedures; improving market frameworks through initiatives like a Natural Gas Readiness Forum; enhancing long-term planning by FERC Regional Transmission Organizations/Independent System Operators; introducing new pricing structures; ensuring compensation for gas-fired power generators based on reliability; creating accountability frameworks for independent power producers; and improving performance metrics within RTOs/ISOs.
Another study called “Bottleneck to Breakthrough: A Permitting Blueprint to Build” builds upon previous NPC reports by recommending reforms that could speed up government processes related to essential energy infrastructure development. Suggestions include clarifying aspects of the National Environmental Policy Act through executive or legislative actions; expediting legal reviews in environmental cases; updating general permits; expanding Federal Energy Regulatory Commission programs for faster authorization of natural gas projects; confirming commercial agreements as evidence under existing law; establishing clear federal timelines for project approvals; and limiting state authority under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.
Both reports emphasize that timely action by policymakers, regulators, and industry is necessary to maintain a reliable, affordable, and resilient national energy system.
