Senate panel considers evolution, future of nation’s energy infrastructure

A Senate panel probed the evolution of the nation’s energy infrastructure, evaluated the impact of federal policies, and explored opportunities to improve through innovation and technology during a hearing on Thursday.

The hearing was part of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee ongoing efforts to address all phases of the nation’s energy infrastructure, including production, generation, and distribution.

“Energy infrastructure has been a key focus for our committee, particularly the roadblocks that hinder responsible development, challenges related to cybersecurity, and the pursuit of innovative technologies,” U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), the committee’s chair, said. “Today, we look at what we have, how we came to have it, and which policies have helped these efforts. One example of a good policy decision was Congress’ approval to build the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. It is an engineering marvel, and a lifeline for Alaskans and our nation — creating jobs, providing revenues, and strengthening national security.”

The committee is currently considering a bill, the Energy and Natural Resources Act, that would enact a number of provisions related to energy infrastructure. Introduced by Murkowski and U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the bill would streamline permitting for liquified natural gas (LNG) imports, reform the hydropower licensing and relicensing process, and improve the delivery of electricity.

“We need to invest in modernizing our infrastructure to meet demands, help lower consumers’ bills and provide security,” Cantwell, the ranking member of the committee, said on Thursday. “We know that there is a good return on this investment. We learned from the Recovery Act, that $1 billion dollars invested in smart grid technologies created nearly $7 billion dollars in economic output and nearly 50,000 jobs.”

Phil Moeller, the executive vice president of the Edison Electric Institute, agreed that increased transmission investment is required to expand the system and maintain and replace aging infrastructure.

“Specific areas for improvement include FERC hydropower relicensing, permitting and siting of transmission lines and natural gas pipelines, and vegetation management on and adjacent to rights-of-way across federal lands,” Moeller said. “ The bipartisan Energy and Natural Resources Act introduced by Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Cantwell includes provisions addressing many such energy infrastructure issues.”