Document L2qnNDYV06D37MR3BKpKjG83

To: Pre- nt-elect Donald J. Trump Men:, , of the Incoming Ad irlc4r1finn MeiAais of the 119th United St Congress American Gas Association 400 North Capitol St., NW #450 Washington, DC 20001 January 16, 2025 The American Gas Association represents more than 200 local energy companies committed to the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to more than 189 mil lion Americans and 5.8 mil lion businesses in all 50 states. Natural gas has been and will continue to be the cornerstone of America's economy and America's energy independence. Our natural gas industry is committed to investing, building and innovating for the famil ies and businesses who depend on us every minute of every day. Natural gas utilities and our employees have delivered on the promise of America, and we are not done yet. We look forward to working with the incoming administration and the 119th United States Congress to leverage our nation's abundant energy to build upon America's competitiveness. Our nation is breaking all previous records for increased natural gas demand, adding one new customer every minute of every day. In fact, during Winter Storm Heather (January, 2024), natural gas accounted for 62% of all energy delivered and set a new record. The current cold weather across the country wil l likely set yet another new record. Additionally, with expected growth in advanced manufacturing, artificial intell igence (Al) and liquified natural gas (LNG) exports, demand wil l continue to increase. We must build modern pipeline infrastructure to deliver energy where it is needed and enable the economy of the future. America has the best entrepreneurs and innovators on the planet, and their hard work has unlocked our abundant natural resources. Our members are proud of the contributions they have made to our country and are committed to delivering the most efficient natural gas and new advanced technologies, such as renewable natural gas and hydrogen, to meet our nation's and the world's energy needs. Outlined below are five important steps that we stand ready to collaborate on to fully realize America's energy potential. These steps wil l have an immediate impact on bringing more affordable, reliable energy to al l Americans, driving the economy and jobs of the future, advancing our national security and leading on innovation. Sierra Club FOIA Request: 2025-EPA-04193 ED_Ol 8475D_00000109-00001 SC_EVERSPLIT0006850 Econem, Competitiven,ns. Affordable and reliable natural gas is the underpinning of the United States' economy. If we are serious about building the economy of the future, we need more energy, and we need a robust energy portfolio to ensure access to affordable and reliable energy for Americans. A strategic investment in America's energy future wi l l: Unleash the power of Al , data centers and advanced manufacturing. Keep hospitals open and schools warm and bright. Empower hotels to support tourism and restaurants to prepare food. Sustain pharmaceutical companies as they manufacture l ife-saving drugs. Allow farmers to rely on American fertil izer to grow our food and meat processors to deliver fresh meat and chicken to grocery stores. Recognizing the power of innovation and removing restrictions on advanced fuels wi l l ensure our energy revolution continues far into the future. The economy of today and tomorrow depends on natural gas. Affordability and Consumer Choim. The natural gas industry has a proven track record of working to help solve our nation's most complex challenges and advancing common sense solutions for al l Americans. Our nation's abundant supplies of natural gas continue to provide Americans with the affordable and reliable energy they rely on. The average family that uses natural gas in their home saves $1,132 on their utilities bil ls every year -- money they can choose to spend on their family's priorities, whether that is education, rent or anything else. We must advance policies that safeguard consumer choice in America's homes and businesses as wel l as the economic benefits that choice provides for consumers and communities across the country. Efforts to ban natural gas appliances have been soundly rejected by the American people and need to be overturned. Further, attempts to ban natural gas through state regulations or building codes are misguided at best. Fuel choice is clearly an important issue for American consumers: 26 states have already passed fuel choice legislation. Federal legislative or executive action is needed to further protect natural gas, a vital source of energy that is three times more affordable than electricity to heat our citizens' homes. Safety and Seru!dt`i. Natural gas is an integral part of our nation's energy system, delivered through a 2.8-mil lion-mile underground pipeline system. In order to continue to advance safety and security across the industry we must ensure the passage of reasonable and effective pipeline safety reauthorization. Funding for pipeline modernization must be a priority for both Congress and the administration. As cyber-attacks increase on critical infrastructure, America needs cybersecurity regulations that are risk-based and outcome-driven rather than compliance-driven. Both must also embrace the use of new and advanced technologies and refrain from prescriptive measures. Additionally, as physical attacks on our system and employees are becoming more prevalent, federal action to penalize perpetrators is warranted. Sierra Club FOIA Request: 2025-EPA-04193 ED_Ol 8475D_00000109-00002 SC_EVERSPLIT0006851 Permitting Reform. It's no secret that it's hard to build new energy infrastructure in America. The main culprits: a byzantine permitting process that imposes unnecessary and detrimental delays and a legal system that bogs down challenges to new projects for years in court. Congress must pass meaningful and durable permitting reform to include associated judicial reform for natural gas and all energy projects to deliver the energy capacity our nation needs. This muchneeded reform wi l l drive economic progress for this country, homeowners and businesses alike, and help ensure Americans have access to the reliable energy they want, need and expect. National Security. The lynchpin to our way of life is our national security. To deliver economic benefits, jobs, security and keep our global adversaries at bay, natural gas is the critical piece of the puzzle to unleash America's potential. The national security dividend of not having to import natural gas from countries that don't share our values or interests is incalculable. We must restart the LNG export permitting process to support our al l ies and to provide greater global stability as we secure America's homeland. Thanks to advancements in natural gas technologies, the U.S. has become the number one producer and exporter of LNG and a global leader in reducing emissions while maintaining economic growth at home and increasing energy security. We stand ready to work with the incoming administration and the 119th United States Congress to forge a path forward that wi l l realize America's full energy potential. Sincerely, Lloyd Yates President and Chief Executive Officer, NiSource Inc. Chair, American Gas Association Karen bort President and Chief Executive Officer, American Gas Association Sierra Club FOIA Request: 2025-EPA-04193 ED_Ol 8475D_00000109-00003 SC_EVERSPLIT0006852