Olson Votes to Increase Access to North American Energy

Press Release

Today, Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) voted to increase access to North American energy by speeding up the approval process for cross-border projects. Olson voted for H.R. 3301, The North American Energy Infrastructure Act; a bipartisan bill to create a more efficient, streamlined, cross-border approval process for oil pipelines, natural gas pipelines, and electric transmission lines that cross the borders of the United States. The bill passed in the House by a vote of 238 to 173.

"Infrastructure is critical for energy production," Rep. Pete Olson stated. Whether it's crude oil being piped into our refineries or wind power coming to the center of our cities, it all relies on modern infrastructure. Excessive regulations and a fear of political backlash have made the borders a trap for important projects that will strengthen our energy security and create American jobs. Currently, there are no clear procedures, checklists, timelines or transparency. H.R. 3301 will streamline the process for approval and integrate our North American economy and address many of the existing problems hindering energy mobility and growth."

H.R. 3301 - The North American Energy Infrastructure Act:

Consolidates and standardizes the cross-border approval process for oil pipelines, natural gas pipelines, and electric transmission lines, replacing and superseding the current processes that have been created in an ad hoc fashion through multiple Executive Orders.

Eliminates the Presidential permit requirement for construction or modification of oil and natural gas pipelines and electric transmission facilities that cross the national boundary of the U.S.

Requires a "certificate of crossing" for construction of any segment of an oil pipeline or electric transmission line that crosses the border of the U.S. with Canada or Mexico. This certificate of crossing is subject to NEPA review and cannot be issued until final NEPA action.

Requires the agency to issue a "certificate of crossing" within 120 days upon completion of NEPA unless the agency finds construction of the cross-border segment is not in the "public interest" of the U.S.

Requires approval under section 3 of the Natural Gas Act for natural gas cross-border pipelines, consistent with current policy.

Provides that the "certificate of crossing" will be issued by the Secretary of State for oil pipelines, the Department of Energy for electric transmission lines, and FERC will continue to approve cross-border natural gas pipelines.

Specifies that existing projects do not need further approvals, including new or revised Presidential Permits, for modifications such as reversal of flow direction, volume expansion or adjustments to maintain flow or in cases of changes in ownership.

Removes the unnecessary requirement for Department of Energy approval to export or import natural gas by pipeline to or from Mexico or Canada.

Has an effective date of July 1, 2015, and specifically addresses how currently pending applications shall be handled.

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