Infrastructure & Permitting

Oil and natural gas supply the majority of the energy Americans depend on every day and delivering that energy safely and reliably requires a vast network of infrastructure. Pipelines, railroads, highways, waterways, and ports move energy from production regions to homes, businesses, and industries nationwide, supporting both energy security and economic growth.

Liquid pipelines deliver fuels like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel to markets, keeping Americans moving and goods flowing. Natural gas infrastructure provides heating in winter, supports the electric grid, and anchors power generation with a reliable, low-cost supply. Safety is central to these operations and our industry works closely with agencies including the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Coast Guard to ensure the integrity of pipelines and related infrastructure, uphold rigorous operating standards, and continually improve performance.

America’s federal permitting process, however, has become a barrier to progress—especially for oil and gas pipelines. Outdated and inconsistent regulations make it increasingly difficult to modernize existing assets or build new ones, delaying critical projects and undermining investment. This broken system drives up costs, slows innovation, and ultimately hurts consumers.

API supports comprehensive permitting reform to ensure timely, informed, and consistent decision-making across federal and state agencies. By modernizing approvals while upholding rigorous safety and environmental standards, the U.S. can expand and modernize its energy infrastructure to meet rising demand, strengthen reliability, and secure America’s role as a global energy leader.

Equally important, local communities must have a voice in the process. Permitting decisions should incorporate stakeholder input, reflect health and environmental considerations, and deliver tangible benefits to the communities where infrastructure is built. An inclusive approach ensures that infrastructure projects strengthen America’s energy future while supporting the people and places most directly connected to them.

Find out more about API’s permitting plan, visit PermittingReformNow.org.