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At a recent conference in Washington, National Governors Association Vice Chair Kevin Stitt emphasized the need for quicker approval processes for energy projects, stating, “It shouldn’t take longer to approve an energy project than it takes to build it.” This statement encapsulated the widespread concerns regarding government bureaucracy that threatens the United States’ ability to outpace China in terms of both energy dominance and cybersecurity.
The governors who gathered recognized permitting reform as a critical area requiring immediate attention as new administrations take office. They reached a bipartisan consensus on the importance of making strides toward a secure future against foreign threats in energy and cybersecurity sectors.
Stitt noted, “Permitting reform is one of those issues where both Republicans and Democrats recognize the problem; we largely agree on solutions.” He highlighted the significance of streamlining these processes as a national security imperative. As he pointed out, allies around the world need affordable and reliable energy, and the U.S. is well-positioned to meet that demand with its abundant resources.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum also weighed in on the competition with foreign nations like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. He stressed that these countries pose significant cybersecurity threats. Burgum underscored the urgency of winning the AI arms race against China, stating, “It’s key that we win this race with China,” due to the escalating efficacy of bot-driven cyberattacks compared to traditional human efforts.
He warned, “They could take down the electric grid and disrupt everything in our country without deploying a single soldier on the ground, leading to serious ramifications for our economy.” Winning this battle, he argued, relies not only on robust software development but also on ensuring ample electricity supply.
Burgum noted the bureaucratic hurdles in the United States that could detract from its competitiveness against countries that operate with fewer constraints. He also discussed the potential of nuclear energy and emerging technologies that can position power-generating facilities closer to energy needs.
To illustrate the urgency of efficient permitting, Stitt recalled how Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro instituted a requirement for his administration to finalize infrastructure permit applications within two weeks or refund the applicant. Stitt’s immediate response was to launch a similar initiative, stating he didn’t want to be “beaten by a Democrat” in terms of innovative reforms.
Shapiro mentioned that Pennsylvania, which once led in energy production, had undergone an audit of permit applications. This audit revealed 3,400 pending applications, prompting him to enforce a cataloging process for future applications.
Even with a long history of energy production, Pennsylvania now finds itself as the second-largest energy net-exporter in the United States, a point Shapiro proudly highlighted. The state has evolved since the first North American oil discovery in the mid-1800s, even as its energy sector faces challenges from past administrative policies on fracking.
Despite some setbacks, Shapiro reported that Pennsylvania produced over 7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in 2023. The historical push-pull effect of energy policies has seen shifts with former Democratic Governor Ed Rendell enforcing a fracking ban on state parkland, followed by Republican Governor Tom Corbett reversing that decision, and then Democratic Governor Tom Wolf reinstating the moratorium.
Shapiro conveyed a new direction in his administration’s approach to energy development, advocating for a measured strategy to responsibly harness the state’s resources. He referenced the bipartisan SPEED Act, which facilitates third-party permitting reviews and aims to expedite the overall permitting process.
In a candid moment, Burgum expressed the complexities and challenges that come with being a governor but noted that recent developments have changed the landscape. “It’s about to become more fun than it’s ever been” due to increased accessibility with the current administration, he remarked.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster chimed in with anecdotes from a recent White House meeting, highlighting that cabinet officials shared personal contact information and President Donald Trump encouraged open communication, albeit without handing out his private number. “I’ve got it, but I’m going to hold onto it,” he humorously noted.
The dialogue among the governors highlighted a shared commitment to revamping energy project approval processes and enhancing cybersecurity measures. The approach aligns with national interests aimed at fostering both energy independence and resilience against emerging technological threats.
As the discussions wrapped up, it became evident that the path forward requires collaboration across political lines. By addressing bureaucratic inefficiencies and prioritizing national security, the governors are poised to reshape the energy landscape while keeping pace with cyber advancements spearheaded by global competitors.
