Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and a host of industry allies are pushing for congressional action this spring and summer to reform the federal permitting process, according to Oil & Gas Journal.

Proponents of reform believe the current permitting process is a costly delay-producing challenge for oil and gas companies and other infrastructure developers.

Manchin told a forum at the US Chamber of Commerce that Senate committees would be holding hearings starting this month and running through May with the hope of seeing a bipartisan compromise permitting bill take shape before the congressional August recess.

Moore Capito stressed that the potential permitting reform bill would need to go through jurisdictional committees to build adequate support.

Both senators believe now is the time to push for reform before lawmakers turn their attention to the 2024 election season.

Learn more: Oil & Gas Journal > Lawmakers, industries push for permitting reform in months ahead