Secretary Burgum Addresses National Governors Association Winter Meeting
Washington, DC – National Governors Association (NGA) Vice Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro joined Governors from states and territories across the nation in calling for policies to streamline the permitting process for vital infrastructure projects. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum delivered remarks to Governors gathered for NGA’s 2025 Winter Meeting.
“It shouldn’t take longer to approve a project than it takes to build it,” said Governor Stitt. “Permitting reform is one of those issues where both Republicans and Democrats recognize the problem, we largely agree on solutions, and Congress gets close year after year to doing something. But somehow it just never crosses the finish line. The U.S. is among the slowest nations in the developed world in approving infrastructure projects – particularly when it comes to energy. Democrats and Republicans alike recognize permitting delays weaken U.S. economic growth, security and competitiveness. Governors from both parties are working together to inject some common sense into our permitting process.”
“We have got to get to market more quickly – particularly when it comes to energy projects,” said Governor Shapiro. “In Pennsylvania, we’re proud of our legacy as a national energy leader. One of the biggest issues that holds us back from doing even more in this space is permitting. That’s why it’s been a priority of mine in my first two years as Governor to move quickly and get people on the job a whole lot faster. I’ve heard this consistently from businesses, from organized labor, and from communities that want to see transformation because their neighborhoods have often been left behind and want to see more opportunity.”
“Your role as Governors is key to driving America forward,” said Secretary Burgum. “Give us every idea you have because we have to go faster – not just for reasons of affordability for the American people and for economic opportunity and creating better jobs. It’s because we’re in a competition against other countries… When we generate energy here, it’s cleaner, safer, smarter than anywhere in the world. When we do that, it’s good for the global environment, it’s good for our economy, and it’s good for our allies. We want to champion innovation over regulation.”
Governors Stitt and Shapiro announced the formation of a bipartisan working group to explore critical issues surrounding permitting reform, infrastructure acceleration, and energy resilience, with a particular focus on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), judicial review, and transmission siting. Governors Stitt and Shapiro will co-chair the group.
At NGA’s Winter Meeting, Governors have met with federal officials and leaders from business, academia and philanthropy for solutions-driven conversations around the top issues in states and territories.
