😮House Passes Bill To Speed Federal Permitting For Natural Gas Pipelines

Supporters of the measure argue that state-level reviews have delayed pipeline projects for years, slowing expansion of energy infrastructure and increasing costs. The bill is part of a broader congressional push to streamline federal permitting as lawmakers respond to growing electricity demand and concerns about energy reliability.

The House also passed the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today Act with bipartisan support. Backers say faster approvals for pipelines, transmission systems, and related infrastructure could help expand domestic energy supply and eventually reduce consumer energy costs.

Rising electricity demand has been linked in part to the rapid growth of data centers across the United States, which require large and stable energy supplies to support artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital services.

Meanwhile, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said gasoline prices could begin easing within weeks despite recent spikes tied to the escalating conflict involving Iran. In comments reported by Newsmax, Wright argued that disruptions to global oil markets may prove temporary.

The tensions have intensified concerns about the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Roughly one-fifth of global petroleum liquids consumption moves through the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, making any disruption there significant for global energy markets.

Donald Trump said Friday that Iran was “totally defeated” two weeks into the conflict and suggested Tehran was seeking a deal, though he did not provide details about possible negotiations. He also stated that military operations would continue “as long as it’s necessary.”

At a Friday press conference, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized a report from CNN that questioned the administration’s assessment of Iran’s willingness to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, calling the reporting “fundamentally unserious” and accusing media outlets of spreading misinformation.