U.S. Chamber Applauds Long-Awaited Attention to American Energy Infrastructure

Press Release
January 24, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, issued the following statement today regarding President Trump’s announced Executive Orders on accelerating infrastructure:

“For too long, private infrastructure investment has been held hostage by government interference driven by fringe interests. Today’s Executive Orders on the Dakota Access pipeline and Keystone XL pipeline demonstrate that we finally have an administration that is serious about putting American energy to work for the entire economy.

“The Keystone XL pipeline was under review for an unprecedented nine years and the Dakota Access pipeline was 90% completed when both projects were stopped in their tracks for political purposes, sending a chilling signal to investors around the world. These two projects will create good American jobs and improve access to affordable energy. 

“Other Executive Orders signed by the President today are a recognition of how lengthy and burdensome the regulatory and permitting process has become for critical infrastructure and manufacturing projects. We are hopeful that these reforms will provide the certainty and timeliness required for capital investment.

“We look forward to a renewed focus on building much-needed energy infrastructure and stand ready to assist in getting projects underway.”

The mission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common sense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous, and clean. Through policy development, education, and advocacy, the Institute is building support for meaningful action at the local, state, national, and international levels.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.