Oilfield services executives head to Washington to push permitting reform
(WO) — Executives from across the U.S. oilfield services and technology sector are heading to Washington this week to press lawmakers on permitting reform, trade policy and workforce issues they say are directly affecting project execution and investment across the energy industry.
The Energy Workforce & Technology Council (EWTC) said nearly 60 senior leaders from more than 40 member companies will meet with over 75 congressional and administration officials during a multi-day fly-in to discuss federal policies shaping U.S. oil and gas development. Participating companies span the oilfield services value chain, including drilling, completions, well servicing, equipment manufacturing and technology providers.
The delegation is expected to emphasize the need for faster and more predictable federal permitting timelines, streamlined leasing and LNG export approvals, and policy certainty to support long-term investment. Industry leaders also plan to raise concerns about tariffs on critical equipment and materials, which they say could increase project costs and delay development.
EWTC President Tim Tarpley said the group will urge policymakers to advance comprehensive permitting reform and maintain trade policies that support domestic manufacturing and energy production. He noted that permitting delays, trade uncertainty and workforce constraints are having tangible impacts on project economics and timing across the sector.
In addition to permitting and trade issues, executives will advocate for policies supporting infrastructure security, expanded apprenticeship and workforce development programs, and measures to improve labor mobility within the energy sector.
The oilfield services industry supports more than 650,000 jobs nationwide and contributes significantly to U.S. energy production and infrastructure development, according to EWTC. Industry representatives said the strong turnout for this year’s meetings reflects growing urgency around regulatory clarity as operators evaluate future drilling and development activity.
