ARLINGTON, VA— In any time of economic uncertainty, permitting reform doesn’t just mean more production of affordable energy – it would also open the floodgates to a surge of new jobs and sustained economic growth.
In a recent blog, James Morrone, AFP Policy Analyst, highlights how permitting reform offers one of the best opportunities to jumpstart our economy, lower costs, and empower American energy innovation. The numbers speak for themselves: the energy sector—responsible for more than 3 million jobs—is being held back by outdated, bureaucratic red tape.
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.
Through broad-based grassroots outreach, Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is driving long-term solutions to the country’s biggest problems. AFP activists engage friends and neighbors on key issues and encourage them to take an active role in building a culture of mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping one another. AFP recruits and unites activists in all 50 states behind a common goal of advancing policies that will help people improve their lives. For more information, visit www.AmericansForProsperity.org
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