Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt Leads Bipartisan Call for Energy Reform
A bipartisan coalition of more than a dozen governors, led by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, released a sweeping package of reform priorities to improve federal permitting and regulatory processes for critical energy infrastructure projects.
The governors’ letter to congressional leaders called for reforms to make federal permitting more efficient, technology-neutral, and free of political interference. Their goal: accelerate energy projects of all types to meet growing national demand.
As co-chairs of the National Governors Association (NGA) Energy and Infrastructure Working Group, Governor Stitt and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized the urgency of reform.
Stitt and Shapiro Call for Faster Federal Energy Action
“This isn’t a Republican or Democrat issue. Every American needs to heat their home and power their vehicle,” said Governor Stitt. “As energy demand rises with AI and new technologies, we must complete energy projects faster and more efficiently. I’m thankful for Governor Shapiro and our fellow governors for bringing innovative solutions that make American energy accessible to everyone.”
Governor Shapiro added, “In Pennsylvania, we’re doubling down on our energy legacy by taking bold steps to build new power sources. My administration has streamlined government permitting to grow our economy and deliver energy projects quickly. It’s time for the United States to do the same—to win the energy and AI race and lower costs for all Americans.”
Governors Outline Reform Priorities for Energy Infrastructure
The working group developed reform recommendations across five key categories:
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Streamlining Federal Agency Reviews
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Reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
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Reforms to Interstate Energy Transmission
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Reforms to Nuclear Energy Regulation
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Reforms to the Clean Water Act
These reforms aim to create predictable, faster approval timelines for energy infrastructure while maintaining environmental safeguards.
National Coalition Unites for Energy Infrastructure Progress
The Governors Energy and Infrastructure Working Group, representing all 55 states and territories, includes:
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Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, NGA Chair and co-chair
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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, co-chair
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Maryland Governor Wes Moore, NGA Vice Chair
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Colorado Governor Jared Polis
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Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont
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Indiana Governor Mike Braun
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Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry
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Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey
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North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong
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Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee
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Tennessee Governor Bill Lee
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Utah Governor Spencer Cox
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Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon
Governors Voice Support for Modernized Energy Rules
“When it comes to energy infrastructure, we must move from no and slow, to yes and now,” said Governor Wes Moore of Maryland. “Permitting reform lowers costs, modernizes the grid, and creates clean energy jobs. This bipartisan group is proving we can find commonsense solutions that keep safety intact and move progress forward.”
Governor Spencer Cox agreed, stating, “If we want to power new homes, strengthen the grid, and double our capacity, we must build like we used to. Congress should act swiftly—this would be a major win for the American people.”
Colorado Governor Jared Polis added, “Governors from both parties are united in calling for faster, smarter, and more predictable energy permitting. By cutting red tape and empowering states, we can accelerate affordable clean energy and transmission development nationwide.”
North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong underscored the urgency: “Investing in infrastructure means nothing if we can’t deploy it. We need a process that values efficiency, certainty, and transparency. Give states flexibility, and we’ll deliver results.”
Next Steps for Energy Permitting Reform
At the NGA’s Winter Meeting in February 2025, Governors Stitt and Shapiro announced the creation of this bipartisan task force. During Senate testimony in July, Governor Armstrong advocated specific reforms on behalf of the NGA.
Over several months, the group gathered ideas to accelerate projects and identify obstacles at both state and federal levels. While not every governor endorses each individual reform, they agree on key principles—embracing digital permitting systems, categorical exclusions, and efficient litigation reforms.
The governors also urged Congress to ensure agencies have the resources and staff necessary to execute reforms effectively and end retroactive permit cancellations that stall major projects.
For detailed reform recommendations, visit the National Governors Association website.
