‘Predictable Permitting’ Key to U.S. Competitiveness, TC Energy CEO Tells NPC
TC Energy and the National Petroleum Council are urging reforms to streamline U.S. pipeline permitting, citing rising gas demand and limited capacity growth. The new NPC report calls for NEPA clarification, reduced litigation, and expanded fast-track approvals.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (P&GJ) — TC Energy is calling for sweeping federal permitting reforms to accelerate U.S. pipeline and energy infrastructure development, according to a new National Petroleum Council (NPC) report released on Dec. 3.
The report, Bottleneck to Breakthrough: A Permitting Blueprint to Build, chaired by TC Energy President and CEO François Poirier, outlines specific actions aimed at reducing regulatory delays and improving project predictability across the energy sector.
“Predictable permitting is foundational to American competitiveness—fueling the energy systems that enable re-industrialization and economic growth,” Poirier said. “With sensible reform, costs for families can be lowered, reliability strengthened for communities, and investment in infrastructure accelerated across all energy systems while upholding environmental standards.”
The blueprint, developed by more than 200 industry and government experts, recommends clarifying the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), curbing excessive litigation, aligning environmental reviews, and expanding fast-track permits for critical infrastructure.
Rising Demand, Limited Capacity
The report highlights a widening gap between energy demand and infrastructure growth. U.S. natural gas demand has surged 56% in recent years, while pipeline capacity has increased just 27%, the NPC said.
It also notes that electrification driven by AI, data centers, and advanced manufacturing is increasing power demand and natural gas consumption. Meanwhile, global energy shifts — including Europe’s move to cut Russian gas imports from 40% to 18% — are deepening reliance on U.S. LNG and pipeline networks.
“This is the blueprint to build, and if implemented, can secure America’s energy future,” Poirier said, thanking NPC Chairman Alan Armstrong and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright for their roles in the study.
TC Energy, which operates natural gas pipelines across 36 U.S. states, delivers roughly 25% of total U.S. gas demand and employs about 3,200 people nationwide.
The full NPC report, Bottleneck to Breakthrough: A Permitting Blueprint to Build, is available online.