OREANDA-NEWS. US pipeline permitting rules are broken and Congress should consider improvements as part of a package of bills now being crafted by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, senator John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) said today.

Committee chairman Lisa Murkowski held the hearing to discuss 22 modest energy bills under consideration to include as part of a comprehensive energy package.

Among her bills are measures to direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide a clear definition of condensate and to notify Congress before conducting a test drawdown from the US' Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).

Barraso's bill would simplify permitting for natural gas pipelines on Federal land included in a broad energy bill being crafted.

"Even with North Dakota's diligence in processing applications, hurdles beyond the state's control can occur to slow the siting process," North Dakota Public Service commissioner Brian Kalk said.

Barrasso was not the only senator to highlight the importance of streamlining permitting for energy projects during the hearing.

"The length of time of permitting is creating so much uncertainty at a time when we have a critical need for new improved and expanded infrastructure," senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia) said.

Capito introduced a bill to simplify pipeline permitting last week.

The Oil and Gas Production and Distribution Reform Act would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to coordinate with other federal and with state agencies to expedite pipeline permitting.

The legislation would set firm deadlines for agencies to issue associated permits. It would grant pipeline developers authority to fund a FERC staffer or a third party contractor to assist in reviewing an application. And the bill would require FERC to create an online "regulatory dashboard" to enable applicants to track the progress of their permit reviews.

The committee will hold hearings on 19 May and 4 June to consider other measures to be included in the energy legislation.