West Houston News

In a letter addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Congressman Troy E. Nehls and 12 of his colleagues have called for answers regarding the Presidential permitting process for cross-border projects at the Canadian and Mexican borders. The letter highlights the importance of these projects for not only the United States' energy security but also the overall energy security of North America.

The State Department, along with other branches of the Executive Branch, has left numerous Presidential permits for critical pipeline projects unaddressed. Despite the Biden Administration's efforts to modernize the process, only one Presidential permit has been issued since 2021. In response, Congress included language in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to expedite the Presidential permitting process for these projects.

In their letter, the Members of Congress emphasize the significance of trade in energy commodities between Canada, Mexico, and the United States, stating, "Trade in energy commodities between Canada, Mexico, and the United States is an essential component to the security, economy, and sustainability of the continent." They express concern that the lack of progress in issuing permits is detrimental to North American business investments and jeopardizes future opportunities.

Congressman Nehls, who led the letter, voices his frustration with the Biden Administration's handling of the issue, stating, "Energy is national security. The Biden Administration has done everything in its power to destroy American energy independence." He criticizes the fact that only one Presidential permit has been issued for cross-border projects since 2021 and deems it unacceptable. Nehls emphasizes the importance of cross-border energy projects for the nation's oil and gas industry.

Joining Congressman Nehls in the letter are Representatives Kelly Armstrong, Ronny Jackson, Randy Weber, Lauren Boebert, Byron Donalds, Wesley Hunt, Michael Cloud, Brian Babin, Ralph Norman, David Rouzer, Chip Roy, and Morgan Luttrell. These representatives from various states across the country demonstrate the bipartisan concern for the issue at hand.

The letter serves as a call to action, demanding answers from the Biden Administration regarding the delays in processing Presidential permits for cross-border projects. The Members of Congress aim to ensure that critical energy projects receive the necessary attention and support to promote the energy security and economic well-being of North America.

To read the full letter, click here.

To learn more, click on this link: https://nehls.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-troy-e-nehls-leads-letter-biden-administration-streamline-presidential