The U.S. House of Representatives on Friday passed legislation aimed at accelerating federal permitting for interstate natural gas pipelines, voting 213–184 to approve the Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act. The bill would designate the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as the lead agency for pipeline reviews and allow it to consider water quality issues as part of its environmental analysis, rather than waiting for separate state certifications under the Clean Water Act. Supporters argue state-level reviews have delayed projects for years, driving up costs and slowing energy development. Lawmakers say faster permitting is needed to meet rising electricity demand, fueled in part by rapid growth in data centers, and could help lower household energy prices.
The House also passed the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today Act with bipartisan support, reflecting a broader push to streamline permitting. FERC, which typically consists of five Senate-confirmed commissioners, has approved most pipeline proposals in recent years. Industry groups praised the measures, saying they would help expand reliable and affordable energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Senate is pursuing a separate, more expansive permitting reform effort focused on changes to the National Environmental Policy Act, including provisions related to upgrading electric transmission lines.
Separately, a renewed attempt to impeach President Donald Trump failed Thursday after the House voted to table the measure. Rep. Al Green of Texas introduced two articles of impeachment, but Republicans, joined by 23 Democrats, moved to halt consideration. The final vote was 237–140, with 47 members voting “present,” including Democratic leadership, who said the effort lacked the extensive investigative groundwork traditionally required for impeachment.