American energy dominance depends on permitting reform Activist groups are using lawsuits to delay or cancel energy infrastructure projects like the Southeast Supply Enhancement and MVP Southgate pipelines, which are intended to provide affordable, cleaner energy and support the retirement of coal plants. This litigation, coupled with a burdensome permitting process, drives up costs and delays essential projects, hindering the U.S.’s ability to meet energy demands and capitalize on economic opportunities like AI development. The author urges Congress to pass meaningful permitting reform to streamline reviews, reduce litigation, and unlock domestic energy production for affordability and national security.

• Activist groups are filing lawsuits to halt energy infrastructure projects, causing delays and increasing costs.
• Projects like the Southeast Supply Enhancement pipeline are crucial for delivering U.S.-produced natural gas to millions of homes and businesses.
• Litigation and a complex permitting process hinder the modernization of energy infrastructure and the lowering of energy costs.
• Permitting reform is essential for realizing economic opportunities, such as investing in data centers for AI development.
• The U.S. House of Representatives has passed bipartisan bills for permitting reform, which now await Senate action.
• Delays in energy projects stress utilities, increase consumer utility bills, and can be exacerbated by global energy market volatility.
• Unlocking domestic energy production and building necessary pipelines are key to American energy dominance, affordability, and national security.