Enduring permit reform is essential for America's energy dominance

In June 2024, Mike Sommers, president and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute (API), participated in a policy event hosted by Breitbart News, where he discussed crucial actions for maintaining America's energy supremacy. Summarizing API's five-point agenda, he emphasized the importance of durable permitting reforms to facilitate energy infrastructure development. Sommers pointed out that these reforms need bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate and must withstand shifts between Republican and Democratic administrations. He highlighted the recent actions of the Trump administration, which reversed several Biden-era policies to enhance energy production, including lifting the liquefied natural gas (LNG) permitting pause. Sommers described how the Biden administration had seen limited lease sales in the Gulf of America until a compromise was made with then-Senator Joe Manchin, which allowed for lease sales tied to the Inflation Reduction Act. He noted the API's proactive stance in outlining the necessary steps for the upcoming presidential administration to follow, showcasing their commitment to ensuring America remains energy dominant. Sommers expressed optimism about the current administration's efforts in the energy sector but acknowledged the ongoing need for effective permitting reforms to further cement these advancements. The conversation centered on API's multi-faceted strategy to boost energy production while encouraging consumer choice and geopolitical strength. Sommers' remarks underscored the necessity of a collaborative approach in energy policy-making, suggesting that bipartisan cooperation is essential for enduring reforms that align with America's long-term energy goals. The API continues to advocate for harnessing both onshore and offshore energy resources to achieve these aims and responded positively to recent legislative moves that mirror their agenda. With the public and industry focused on energy independence, Sommers’ insights into future actions represent a critical perspective in the ever-evolving landscape of American energy policy.