GOP Bill Seeks Expedited Approval for Critical Oil and Gas Pipelines

A new bill introduced on Capitol Hill aims to expedite federal approvals for critical interstate oil and natural gas pipelines. The National Security Interstate Pipeline Act, H.R. 9838, would permit the President of the United States to designate pipeline projects as necessary for national security.

The legislation, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA), aims to address concerns over California's reliance on foreign oil sources and lack of interstate pipelines connecting it to the broader US supply infrastructure.

Oil production in California reached a record low in 2025, producing only 257,000 barrels per day, less than a quarter of what it was in 1985. This has led to increased dependence on foreign oil from the Middle East, South America, and Canada.

If enacted, H.R. 9838 would grant designated pipeline projects expedited approval under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), with decisions required within 180 days of an application. State and local permitting requirements would also be preempted for these projects.