Cornyn Leads Bill to Provide Certainty for Nationwide Permit Program for Texas Critical Infrastructure

Statement

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced a bill to allow critical infrastructure project proponents to continue relying on the nationwide permit (NWP) program in light of recent court decisions. Cosponsors on his bill include Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Barrasso (R-WY), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), James Lankford (R-OK), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), John Hoeven (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).

"In the middle of a pandemic, Texas energy producers face enough uncertainty right now," said Sen. Cornyn. "We should be encouraging investment in critical infrastructure so that once we return to normal, domestic energy producers will be able to meet the increased demand."

"The policy of today's environmental Left is to delay, stop, or, in some cases, physically destroy, the construction of any new pipelines in this county," Sen. Cruz said. "This is bad for our energy security and bad for the blue-collar jobs that these projects support. That's why I'm proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Cornyn that will provide greater clarity in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' permitting process for new pipelines and other utility lines, while still ensuring our Nation's waterways are protected."

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