Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) have joined forces to sponsor a bill aimed at permitting essential infrastructure initiatives to keep depending on the Nationwide Permit Program (NWP) amid related court decisions.

“The policy of today’s environmental left is to delay, stop or – in some cases – physically destroy the construction of any new pipelines in this county. This is bad for our energy security and bad for the blue-collar jobs that these projects support. That’s why I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Sen. Cornyn that will provide greater clarity in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ permitting process for new pipelines and other utility lines, while still ensuring our Nation’s waterways are protected,” Cruz said.

According to Cruz’s website, the bill would ultimately detail that the NWP process and guidelines used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers complies and aligns with the regulations in the Endangered Species Act. It would also amend Section 404(e)of the Clean Water Act and allow the NWP to be used through the end of 2026. 

“In the middle of a pandemic, Texas energy producers face enough uncertainty right now,” Cornyn said. "We should be encouraging investment in critical infrastructure so that once we return to normal, domestic energy producers will be able to meet the increased demand."