A Top Trade Organization Advocates for Policy Changes to Increase American Energy Production
The American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC), a national trade association representing the leading independent oil and natural gas exploration and production companies in the United States, has sent letters to the Department of Energy, Department of Interior, and Environmental Protection Agency with specific guidelines on how to best jumpstart energy production.
The letter to the Department of Energy requested that the department resume timely approval of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export approvals. The letter stated that “U.S. LNG plays a critical role in geopolitical stability and supporting global emission reductions — a fact that has been confirmed numerous times over the past decade.”
The organization also suggested that the department promote U.S. energy exports, create fair access to export authorizations, and avoid unnecessary delays, as well as provide greater certainty for critical energy and infrastructure and enhance energy reliability with advanced natural gas storage.
In the letter to the Department of Interior, AXPC recommended revoking the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Conservation & Land Use Health Rule and its implementing instructional memorandums, streamlining drilling permits, and replacing the recent resources management plan amendments to align with western states’ priorities. The organization also suggested allowing for the commingling of oil and gas production for greater efficiency and environmental protection.
In the letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), AXPC called for revisions to the source performance standards to “improve feasibility for emission controls” and “provide greater allowance for alternative technologies and approaches.” The letter also requested reforms to the Clean Water Act and modifications to the Greenhouse Gas reporting rule.
The organization’s CEO, Anne Bradbury, stated, “America is stronger, the world is safer, and the environment is cleaner when the United States is the world leader in energy production, and that is best achieved with sensible, workable, and durable policies out of Washington.”
The letters were sent as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to “unleash American energy” in the United States, with the goal of increasing American energy independence and reducing emissions. The administration’s nominees in all three departments have signaled that they intend to implement new policies and guidelines that will significantly increase oil and gas production while easing regulations at the same time.