This week, Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement in response to President Trump signing two executive orders in Texas to streamline Federal Processes surrounding energy infrastructure development:
“Texas is growing, and we need to ensure that our energy infrastructure is keeping up with our expansion. These executive orders to remove burdensome red-tape and improve energy infrastructure will create more jobs for hard-working Texans, provide affordable energy to customers, and will allow our energy sector to realize its potential and contribute even more to our robust and fast-growing economy.”
Background:
President Trump issued two energy infrastructure Executive Orders (EOs) entitled, “Promoting Energy Infrastructure and Economic Growth” and “Issuance of Permits with Respect to Facilities and Land Transportation Crossings at the International Boundaries of the United States.”
Promoting Energy Infrastructure and Economic Growth Executive Order:
- The EO will emphasize the need for energy infrastructure reform to allow the U.S. to maximize responsible production and use of its abundant coal, oil and gas resources.
- A key focus of this EO includes direction to EPA to issue clarifying guidance on states’ authority under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act within 60 days.
- Ensures USFWS Biological Opinions are streamlined and do not cause unnecessary delays.
- Spurs interagency coordination amongst FERC, USACE, and EPA.
- Directs PHMSA to revise its Part 193 regulations pertaining to LNG to ensure pipeline safety and to authorize movement of LNG by rail.
- Calls for two reports on energy use and exports—one pertaining to energy exports from the West Coast (coal, oil, and natural gas) and another addressing the shortage of natural gas in New England due to insufficient pipelines.
Click here to view text of executive order.
Issuance of Permits with Respect to Facilities and Land Transportation Crossings at the International Boundaries of the United States Executive Order:
- Notably, this EO will ensure we don’t experience the same issues and unnecessary delays for Presidential Permits like we experienced with the Keystone Pipeline and strengthens the President’s authority for Presidential Permits in relation to cross-border pipelines.
- The EO makes clear that any decision to issue or deny a permit is solely dependent on the President.
Click here to view text of executive order.
