Calvert Introduces Bill to Expedite National Security Pipeline Approvals

California Congressman Ken Calvert has introduced a new bill aimed at streamlining federal approval of national security pipelines. The National Security Interstate Pipeline Act would allow the president to designate certain interstate oil and natural gas pipelines as critical to national security, triggering expedited Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) reviews.

The bill's provisions include placing designated projects under FERC's exclusive authority for siting, construction, expansion, or operation. It also requires FERC decisions within 180 days of an application and preempts state and local permitting requirements that could delay or block designated projects.

According to Rep. Calvert, 'radical energy policies put in place in Democrat-led states continue to hurt working families as well as threaten our national security.' He argued that the bill is necessary to ensure California and other states can be connected to energy-producing regions and keep oil and gas flowing to critical national security facilities.

The original co-sponsors of the bill include Representatives Vince Fong, James Gallagher, Darrell Issa, Nathaniel Moran, Jefferson Shreve, Dale Strong, and David Valadao.