G20 Symposium in Houston Focuses on Efficient Permitting and Regulation

September 14, 2026

HOUSTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today hosted a significant gathering in Houston, Texas, at the Royal Sonesta, where the G20 Regulatory Efficiency Symposium took place. This event brought together G20 ministers, leaders from multinational businesses, and senior officials from the EPA. The focus was on sharing strategies for achieving faster and more predictable permitting processes. This symposium was a precursor to the G20 Energy Abundance Working Group Ministerial meetings and aimed to support President Trump's vision of pragmatic regulation, which emphasizes providing businesses with the assurance needed to invest, fostering energy abundance, and enhancing global resilience.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States is proving that we can protect human health and the environment while growing our economy and getting important projects built,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “Clear, timely, and predictable permitting gives businesses the confidence to invest, creates opportunities for American workers, and helps turn good ideas into real projects.”

EPA senior leadership, along with Administrator Zeldin, Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs Usha Turner, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Strategy Pouya Lavian, led three key discussion panels: Creating the Conditions for Investment, Government Perspectives on Modern Permitting, and the Future of Permitting. The symposium featured business leaders such as Drew Marsh, Chair and CEO of Entergy; Mark Nelson, Vice Chairman and EVP of Oil, Products & Gas at Chevron; Chase Lochmiller, Co-Founder and CEO of Crusoe; and Susan Uthayakumar, Chief Energy and Sustainability Officer at Prologis. Panelists from G20 nations included representatives from Japan, Poland, the European Union, Canada, Indonesia, and Italy.

“Countries approach permitting differently, but we can learn from one another about what works,” said Assistant Administrator Turner. “Bringing governments and industry together allows us to share practical solutions and strengthen regulatory systems that are effective, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the future.”

Discussions at the event explored the impact of regulatory frameworks on investment choices and project implementation, how governments are modernizing current permitting procedures, and future expectations concerning emerging technology and infrastructure requirements.

“Technology is changing what we can build and how quickly we can build it, and our regulatory systems need to keep pace,” said Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Strategy Lavian. “By looking ahead now, we can create the conditions for the next generation of investment, innovation, and infrastructure.”

The symposium highlighted the leadership role of the U.S. and reinforced international partnerships focused on regulatory practices that achieve both environmental outcomes and support economic growth through investment and innovation.