The Policy Pipeline | What a changing Congress means for the midstream industry

Tuesday's midterm election delivered a significant shift in Washington, with Democrats winning control of both the U.S. House and Senate. The results will reshape the legislative landscape for the final two years of the Trump administration and carry important implications for the nation's midstream energy industry.

While much of the national attention has focused on political consequences of the election, the issues driving voters to the polls deserve equal consideration. Affordability, inflation, and rising energy costs were central concerns for Americans. These issues underscore the importance of reliable, affordable energy and the infrastructure necessary to deliver it. For the midstream industry, the election raises important questions about the future of several legislative and regulatory priorities.

Permitting reform remains a critical opportunity. With the balance of power shifting in January, the remaining weeks of the 119^th Congress take on added significance. Bipartisan permitting reform legislation is an opportunity to provide greater regulatory certainty, improve project timelines, and support development of essential energy infrastructure. Whether Congress can reach an agreement during the lame duck session will be an important issue to watch.

Pipeline safety reauthorization is another immediate priority. Congress has an opportunity to advance legislation that supports pipeline safety, while advancing technological innovation and certainty for operators. The election adds urgency to efforts to reach a bipartisan agreement before the current Congress adjourns.

A changing Congress also means shifting oversight and policy priorities. New committee leadership and congressional majorities will influence the direction of federal energy policy beginning in 2027. Congressional oversight of federal agencies, including Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency, may also take on a different emphasis as lawmakers examine existing regulations and administration policies.

Despite the political changes, the fundamental needs of the American energy system remain unchanged. Growing electricity demand, expanding data center development, domestic manufacturing, and the continued importance of natural gas and natural gas liquids reinforce the need for a modern, reliable midstream infrastructure network.

For GPA Midstream and its members, the path forward remains clear: engage policymakers from both parties, communicate the industry's role in meeting America's energy needs, and advocate for practical policies that support safety, reliability, affordability, and continued infrastructure investment.

Election results may change the political landscape, but they do not change the essential role midstream infrastructure plays in America's energy future.

Watch the GPA Midstream advocacy analyze What the midterms mean for midstream, recorded live on Nov. 4, 2026.