Permitting Reform Offers Promising Path Towards Sustained Economic Growth

In times of economic uncertainty, policymakers should focus on removing structural barriers that hinder growth. Among the most impactful steps Congress and the White House can take is permitting reform—a powerful lever to unlock private investment, accelerate infrastructure development, and drive long-term economic resilience. At moments when confidence is wavering, permitting reform offers a clear path to revitalization and sustained prosperity. 

Reforms can Lead to Job Creation  

Permitting reform has the potential to grow the economy, creating new jobs and the economic output needed to unleash our domestic energy sector. According to a July White House Council of Economic Advisers report, GDP growth could increase by nearly 2 percent by 2035 if policies supporting “American energy dominance” are implemented; chief among them, permitting reform. The energy production sector currently employs 3.4 million workers according to the Department of Energy and that number would likely increase if energy development projects are freed from regulatory purgatory. If the permitting process was only slightly less cumbersome, the Jordan Cove LNG Terminal in Oregon may not have been cancelled; the project would have created at least 6,000 jobs and nearly $100 million in annual state and local tax revenue. 

Reform is Needed to Meet Growing Energy Demands 

Energy and electricity demands are skyrocketing and are likely to drive up consumer costs and stunt economic growth if left unchecked. The demand, partially driven by AI innovation and computing centers, is projected to increase at least 25 percent by 2030. Permitting reform allows the ability to address surging energy demands by allowing the construction of critical energy production facilities. The federal permitting process consistently delays the construction and operation of new energy facilities, hampering our ability to meet the moment and spiking costs for every American.  

A thriving economy depends on a steady flow of affordable energy, and permitting reform is a vital road we must travel to get there. It’s been said that “Energy is the capacity to do work.  Without it, everything stops.” Permitting reform should be policymakers’ top focus because of its ability to grow the economy and ensure the American entrepreneurial spirit drives us forward on the “Road to Prosperity.”