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AUSTIN — Oil and gas regulator Wayne Christian today praised the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)’s proposed overhaul of federal natural gas permitting regulations, calling it a critical step toward expanding energy infrastructure, strengthening grid reliability and ensuring Texas can meet rapidly growing electricity demand.

“Texas’ energy future depends on our ability to build infrastructure to meet rising demand,” Christian said. “This proposal recognizes that pipelines are essential infrastructure and that streamlining the permitting process is critical to keeping energy both affordable and reliable.”

The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) would modernize FERC’s blanket certificate program by significantly expanding the types of natural gas infrastructure projects eligible for streamlined federal approval. The proposal would also raise cost thresholds for qualifying projects, remove certain regulatory barriers and accelerate the development of infrastructure needed to deliver affordable, reliable energy to American consumers. The proposal is currently open to public comment before the FERC considers final adoption.

With new manufacturing facilities, industrial development and data centers driving unprecedented electricity demand in Texas, further energy infrastructure investments will be essential to maintaining reliability and affordability.

“Texas leads the nation in natural gas production, and we should use that advantage to strengthen our grid and power our growing economy,” Christian said. “The answer to rising electricity demand from data centers and new industry isn't to stop growth—it’s to build the infrastructure needed to support it.”

Christian adds that the proposal reflects a broader recognition that American energy dominance depends on modern infrastructure policies that allow critical projects to move forward efficiently.

“President Trump has made clear that American energy leadership requires American energy infrastructure,” Christian said. “This proposal removes unnecessary federal barriers to investment, strengthens Texas’ ability to meet future energy demand and reinforces the role of natural gas as the foundation of a reliable electric grid. I applaud President Trump and the FERC for taking an important step toward unleashing the full potential of Texas energy.”