For all midstream companies GPA Midstream’s presence on Capitol Hill, as well as frequent engagement with administration officials, protects member interests. GPA Midstream staff in Washington, D.C. maximize the association’s legislative and regulatory influence.
See a list of GPA Midstream's Priority Issues, below.
Visit the Advocacy Committee pages to learn more about the groups that collaborate with GPA Midstream Staff in the industry's advocacy work.
• Advocacy Advisory Group
• Environmental Committee
• Natural Resources Subcommittee (subcommittee of Environmental Committee)
• Legislative Committee
• Pipeline Safety Committee
• Regulatory Committee
Advocating for Policies to Meet Demand
The U.S. is facing unprecedented demand for energy, which means natural gas. Every year since 2011, natural gas has been America's largest source of energy. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, natural gas and natural gas liquids provided 45% of U.S. energy production. In addition to rising domestic demand, America's allies are reliant on U.S. natural gas to satisfy their rising needs. Midstream companies are ready to build new pipelines and facilities, or expand existing ones, to meet this ever-increasing energy demand, but policies like the current federal permitting process should not be an obstacle.
The existing infrastructure operated and maintained by the men and women who comprise America's midstream industry is meeting current demand. These gathering lines, processing plants, and transmission lines also ensure U.S. energy security, while supporting our allies abroad and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions around the globe. More pipelines are needed to assure an affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy supply that can meet the growing demand, both domestically and globally. Expanding natural gas infrastructure is a critical step to assuring grid resiliency and reliability as utility companies add more intermittent energy sources, like wind and solar.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports
Exports of U.S. LNG supports countries abroad by providing energy from an ally rather than an unreliable trade partner such as Russia. LNG exports also allow countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts of other fuel sources like coal.
Natural Gas-Fired Electricity Generation
Natural gas is used to heat our homes, warm our water, dry our clothes, and cook our food. Natural gas is also the leading source of electricity that is used to power our homes and businesses and charge our many devices — including electric cars.
Engaging on Environmental Policy
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets rules related to emissions, and GPA Midstream works to ensure the regulator publishes fact-based, sensible regulations. Gathering and processing operators are investing in innovative technologies and processes to reduce emissions, regardless of status of regulation. GPA Midstream advocates for policies that decrease emissions without sacrificing affordability or reliability.
Supporting Practical Pipeline Safety Regulations
The Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) creates regulatory requirements for design, construction, operations, maintenance, and integrity management of pipelines. Regulated pipeline owners and operators across the US, including gathering line operators, comply with all applicable regulations. Midstream companies also incorporate industry best practices, recommendations from voluntary consensus standards, and other actions specific to their operations to ensure public safety. Many of these best practices and recommendations are the result of work done in GPA Midstream's technical and safety committees where midstream professionals come together to solve common industry challenges and set standards for the industry.
Learn more about GPA Midstream Committees
