Federal support for Pennsylvania natural gas development is now yielding tangible momentum under the new administration. Speaking at the MSC’s winter meeting, Congressman John Joyce (PA-13) – a member of the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee – outlined how aligned leadership in Congress and the White House is working to achieve energy dominance by unleashing domestic natural gas production and use.
“The energy resources that are under the feet of my constituents are providing great jobs, great opportunities,” Congressman Joyce said. “We have experienced and dedicated workers.”
With the nation’s top natural gas basin at the center of that attention, Joyce emphasized a new chapter for policies that bolster U.S. energy security, economic growth, and Pennsylvania’s global energy leadership. His sentiments were echoed by MSC Board Chair Matt Sheppard of Expand Energy.
“Global markets are paying attention to what happens here in Appalachia every day,” Sheppard noted in his remarks to members.
Here’s a look at the action coming out of D.C.:
- Bringing Energy Policy Closer to Home. Legislation has been filed to relocate the Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management to Pittsburgh, ensuring federal programs are informed by the real priorities and recommendations of Pennsylvania’s industry representatives and the workers in the field. With bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, the proposal reflects growing momentum to align federal energy policy with state expertise in Pennsylvania.
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- MSC President Jim Welty: “This move gets decision-making out of the DC bubble.”
- Congressman Joyce: “Pennsylvania has a rich history in energy production and innovation, fueling our nation and our allies for decades. By introducing this bipartisan legislation to move the Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management to Pittsburgh, we can ensure that the Department of Energy’s employees are invested in the communities their work directly impacts.”
- Cutting through Red Tape to Keep Energy Moving. The SPEED ACT passed the House in December 2025 and now awaits action in the Senate. This bill will modernize The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and begin cutting through outdated permitting rules that delay projects and drive up costs. By streamlining federal reviews, the legislation aims to ensure America’s growing energy needs are met, helping lower costs nationwide. For Pennsylvania, a leading natural gas producing state and critical energy supplier, permitting reform is essential to maintaining its competitive edge. It also helps ensure that the Commonwealth remains an attractive destination for data centers and other energy-intensive investments that depend on reliable power.
- Investing in American Energy. Congress recently advanced the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy & Water Appropriations Act, which includes roughly $15 billion for domestic energy supply chain and R&D. Congressman Joyce said the legislation moves the policy framework away from Green New Deal policies and towards American Energy Strength, signaling that now is the time to invest in this energy source.
- Advancing LNG for Global Energy Leadership. Congressional action is increasingly focused on elevating Pennsylvania’s role in U.S. energy diplomacy, with renewed attention on advancing an LNG export terminal in the Philadelphia region. Pennsylvania produces roughly 7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas annually and supplies nearly 20 percent of U.S. output. Philadelphia could meet more of Europe’s energy needs, with an LNG facility that delivers reliable energy directly to U.S. allies. Congressman Joyce emphasized that the U.S.’s “most important geopolitical currency is natural gas,” and that Philadelphia is a critical pathway for expanding American energy leadership. He called Philadelphia the “Pathway to global energy dominance that we so desperately need.”
These efforts point to a clear shift in federal energy policy that recognizes Pennsylvania natural gas as a strategic national asset. From permitting reform and federal investment to LNG exports and agency realigning, Washington is starting to reflect the realities of energy production on the ground. As Congressman Joyce made clear, the Commonwealth is not just part of the conversation; it is helping lead America’s energy future.
