House advances legislation to expand energy infrastructure between US, neighbors

Legislation known as the Promoting Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Act was advanced by the House this week.

The bill is designed to promote expansion of the energy infrastructure that weaves over the borders with Canada and Mexico. It would also eliminate some of the regulatory vagaries that oversee such systems, providing–proponents say–greater efficiency in the import and export of oil, natural gas, and electricity. The bill was the brainchild of Reps. Al Green (D-TX) and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK)

“The United States is in a great position to lead a unified energy sector with its neighbors and allies that would benefit all three nations,” Green said. “As energy production in the United States continues to grow, it is essential that we have the infrastructure necessary to support the industry. These projects should undergo an effective and responsible process for approval and not be subject to political calculations or obstructions.”

Energy trade between the countries represents a sizeable income for all three annually. In 2015 alone, the Congressional Research Service estimates the industry’s value to have crossed $140 billion.