Midstream Matters: 2026 May Be the Best Chance for Permitting Reform

By Sarah Miller, President and CEO

Is 2026 the year Congress passes comprehensive reforms to America's permitting system? It's no sure thing, but with a strong advocate in the U.S. Senate and broad support from industries across the American economy, it's at least a strong maybe.

This week, Sen. Alan Armstrong, R-Okla., introduced the American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act of 2026. GPA Midstream and GPSA support the bill because it represents a significant step forward in the work to modernize the permitting process for critical infrastructure.

Armstrong's legislation is a pragmatic approach to pipeline development that would enable companies to build while maintaining strong environmental and safety standards. His proposal would reduce unnecessary delays and encourage investment in the infrastructure needed to deliver safe, affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy. Infrastructure that midstream companies are ready to build.

The most recent episode of the Let's Clear the Air podcast underscores the importance of reducing those delays and provides a framework for reform. Guest Chad Whiteman, Vice President, Environment and Regulatory Affairs with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, joins hosts Adam Murray from GPSA member Samuel EPC; Bryan Nix from GPA Midstream member Targa Resources, and Stuart Saulters, GPA Midstream's Vice President, Federal Affairs to discuss the pressing need for permitting reform.

Whiteman points out that it takes four-and-a-half years on average for a company to obtain a permit to build infrastructure in the U.S. That's not counting litigation, which typically takes another four years. Meanwhile, Whiteman said, America's rivals are completing construction on massive infrastructure projects during just the time required to obtain a permit in the U.S.

Every year a project is delayed is another year of higher consumer energy prices, reduced reliability, deferred economic activity, deferred tax revenue, and delayed returns on investment. Capital that could be deployed to expand infrastructure, support growing energy demand, and strengthen American competitiveness remains sidelined while projects work their way through the labyrinthian permitting process.

What's driving the lengthy delays and seemingly inevitable litigation is an antiquated system developed decades ago for different economic and energy challenges. The layers of requirements, multiple (and often duplicative) reviews, and lengthy litigation have created a process that's the stuff of nightmares to navigate. Faced with rising energy demand at home and the need to support allies abroad, American companies are saddled with a permitting structure that hinders entire industries from investing in the future.

It doesn't have to stay that way. One factor improving chances of a comprehensive reform package passing this year is the presence of Armstrong, former CEO and executive board chair of GPA Midstream member The Williams Companies. Armstrong understands our industry and has said his top priority is permitting reform.

As midterm elections loom, the permitting reform debate is entering a critical phase, and the midstream industry's voice needs to be heard. GPA Midstream is working with members, business coalitions, and congressional offices to support the effort to enact meaningful fixes to the permitting process. The experiences and examples we share with lawmakers could give shape to the reforms Congress ultimately codifies.

GPA Midstream members build and operate the infrastructure that moves America's energy. That gives our industry valuable perspective on what reforms can accelerate project development while preserving strong environmental and safety protections. We need to share that perspective.

The most effective advocacy comes from engineers, project managers, environmental professionals, operations leaders, and executives who have firsthand experience navigating the permitting process. Your experience and expertise can help lawmakers distinguish between necessary oversight and unnecessary delay.

We need your help. If your company has experienced permitting delays, we want to hear from you. Share your experiences through a GPA Midstream committee, participate in the association's discussions with elected officials, and help us identify reforms that are practical, workable, and effective. Real-world examples from our members will be important as Congress considers legislation this year.

Opportunities for comprehensive permitting reform may not come again soon. Right now, there's bipartisan interest in strengthening American infrastructure to address rising energy demand, and there's a champion in the Senate who understands the challenges facing project developers.

Final passage will still be an uphill climb. Permitting reform will require support and compromise from across the political spectrum and from members of both parties. But meaningful reform is possible. As Congress considers permitting reform, GPA Midstream and its members can deliver the industry experience and expertise necessary to form effective solutions.

Sarah Miller is President and CEO of GPA Midstream and CEO of GPSA.