This bill prevents the President from unilaterally revoking permits for energy infrastructure projects like oil and gas pipelines that cross international borders, requiring Congressional approval for such actions.
Tim Walberg
Representative
MI-5
The "Protecting International Pipelines for Energy Security Act" prevents the President from unilaterally revoking permits for cross-border energy infrastructure projects like oil and gas pipelines and electric transmission facilities. Presidential authority to revoke permits is prohibited unless Congress authorizes the revocation. This bill defines key terms like "border-crossing facility," "natural gas," and "oil" for clarity.
Presidential Power Grab Blocked: New Bill Requires Congress to Sign Off on Killing Energy Projects
The "Protecting International Pipelines for Energy Security Act" throws a wrench into the President's ability to single-handedly shut down cross-border energy projects. This bill basically says that once a permit is issued for oil or natural gas pipelines, or electric transmission facilities crossing the U.S. border, the President can't revoke it without getting a thumbs-up from Congress first.
Red Tape Tango
This law locks in permits for projects involving "oil" (defined as petroleum and petroleum products) and "natural gas" (as defined in the Natural Gas Act). It specifically targets facilities covered under Executive Orders 11423, 13337, and 12038, which are all about regulating border-crossing infrastructure. A "border-crossing facility," according to the bill, is any part of a pipeline or electric line located right at the U.S. boundary (Section 2). So, if a company gets a permit to build a pipeline across the border, that permit is essentially ironclad unless Congress decides otherwise.
Real-World Roadblocks
Imagine a farmer whose land is slated for a new pipeline. Under this law, even if new environmental concerns pop up after the permit's issued, the President's hands are tied without Congressional action. Or picture a small business owner near a proposed electric transmission line. If unexpected problems arise, addressing them could get bogged down in legislative gridlock. This bill shifts the balance of power, making it harder to quickly respond to on-the-ground realities or changing national priorities. The immediate effect is that energy companies get a lot more security in their investments, but the long-term implications could mean less flexibility for the U.S. in adapting to future energy needs or environmental challenges. This bill is a clear win for big energy companies, and a potential challenge for environmental groups.