Regulatory and Permitting Certainty

The Importance of Regulatory Certainty in Energy Development

America’s oil and natural gas industry operates on long time horizons, and must have a strong foundation of consistent and predictable regulation from governmental agencies.  AXPC supports clear, stable, and science-based regulations that foster innovation, ensure environmental protection, and support economic growth.

What is Regulatory Certainty?

Regulatory certainty means having clear, consistent, and reliable policies that provide businesses with the confidence to make long-term investments. Energy projects vital to the economy should not have to wait up to a decade for standard regulatory reviews, nor should environmental laws be weaponized for the purpose of hampering responsible energy production. For the oil and natural gas industry, this translates to:

  • Streamlined permitting processes.
  • Clearly defined operational requirements.
  • Predictable timelines for compliance and enforcement.

With regulatory certainty, companies can plan projects more effectively, deploy new technologies, and deliver energy to consumers efficiently.

Why It Matters

  1. Fuels Economic Growth: Stable regulations encourage investment, creating jobs and strengthening local economies. Regulatory or permitting uncertainty, by contrast, can delay or discourage critical energy projects.
  2. Supports Environmental Goals: Consistent, transparent rules allow companies to innovate and implement technologies that reduce emissions, protect water resources, and enhance energy efficiency.
  3. Ensures Energy Security: Predictable policies help secure a reliable and affordable energy supply for households and businesses.

Our Advocacy for Balanced Regulation

We work closely with policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure that regulations:

  • Protect Public Health and the Environment: Regulations should be informed by the latest science and crafted to address environmental challenges without unnecessary burdens.
  • Encourage Innovation: Flexible and adaptable policies allow companies to implement cutting-edge technologies that drive sustainability.
  • Promote Collaboration: Engaging all stakeholders—from government agencies to community leaders—ensures a balanced approach to energy development.

 

Our Policy Priorities

  1. Streamlining Permitting Processes: Efficient and transparent permitting processes reduce delays and provide clarity for businesses and communities alike. Modernizing the current federal permitting system has strong bipartisan backing as a wide range of policymakers view energy infrastructure development as key to meeting increasing energy demand.
  2. Ensuring Consistency Across Jurisdictions: Local and state governments work to meet widely varying energy needs. AXPC believes harmonizing regulations as much as possible across federal, state, and local levels will prevent overlapping requirements and inefficiencies.
  3. Advancing Science-Based Standards: Policies grounded in sound science create effective solutions to complex challenges, balancing economic and environmental considerations.

Success Through Certainty

The oil and natural gas industry thrives when operating within a clear and predictable regulatory framework. This applies not only to the construction of energy infrastructure, but to creating the kind of economic predictability investors need to make informed investment decisions. By advocating for regulatory certainty, we ensure that our members can safely and responsibly deliver the energy that powers our economy and enhances America’s quality of life.

Recent Updates on Regulatory and Permitting Certainty

Click here for AXPC's latest statements and news on Regulatory and Permitting Certainty
12.18.25

AXPC Applauds SPEED Act Passage, Urges Senate to Unleash Affordable Energy by Passing Comprehensive, Durable Permitting Reform 

December 18, 2025  Washington, D.C. – The American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC) today...
12.04.25

AXPC Joins Leading Energy Associations Urging Congress to Pass the Bipartisan SPEED Act

December 3, 2025 AXPC, alongside leading trade associations across the energy landscape, urged continued ...
11.19.25

Chairman Bruce Westerman Joins Longer Laterals to Discuss How the SPEED Act Puts a Stop to Permitting Ping Pong

November 19, 2025 Washington, D.C. – Today, the American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC)...
11.04.25

AXPC Comments on GHGRP Proposed Rule

11.03.25

AXPC Files Comments on EPA’s Proposed Suspension of Subpart W GHG Reporting 

November 3, 2025 Washington, D.C. – Today, the American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC) filed...
10.08.25

AXPC Launches Longer Laterals: A Podcast Where America’s Energy Story Meets Washington

October 8, 2025 Washington, D.C. – Today, the American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC) announ...

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