House Energy and Commerce Committee Member Rep. Leonard Lance (R-N.J.) said he supported changes to streamline the natural gas pipeline approval process on Friday due to increased reliance on natural gas.
The House of Representatives passed the Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act, which aims to expand the East Coast’s limited natural gas delivery infrastructure, on Friday.
“New Jersey has experienced a severe shortage of natural gas supplies that has resulted in steep increases in prices on consumers and businesses alike,” Lance said. “(Friday’s) House-passed bill will expand our constrained gas delivery system by reducing red tape and regulatory burdens.”
Common-sense reforms outlined in the measure would bring natural gas pipelines online more safely and efficiently, Lance added, which would reduce energy costs for families and businesses.
“American-made energy production is one of the brightest spots in today’s U.S. economy,” Lance said. “As innovation leads to even greater production, lawmakers must work together to bring this increased energy production to consumers and businesses in a timely, safe and efficient manner.”
The bipartisan Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act would ensure environmental protections and bring stability to the job market through lower energy costs for businesses, Lance said.
Current regulatory constraints cause natural gas shortages that lead to increased costs during peak times of energy usage, including the winter, according to proponents of the bill.