Today’s energy challenge is not a shortage of natural gas resources or lack of demand, but whether infrastructure, permitting systems and policies can keep up with rapidly expanding global energy needs, Dan Brouillette, the 15th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, said during the keynote presentation at RBN's GasCon 2026 conference Wednesday in Houston.
Speaking to a crowd of about 300 oil and gas leaders, he noted that in Washington, announcements are often treated as accomplishments, but “gas doesn’t move on press releases, it moves on pipelines.”
Brouillette stressed that pulling or delaying permits creates uncertainty that discourages investment, and he highlighted a structural regulatory mismatch because pipelines and gas suppliers operate under different rules than electric utilities, which are legally obligated to keep the lights and heat on.
But the big issue is permits and infrastructure, he said. If the U.S. executes well, the current LNG buildout could cement American energy leadership for generations, but if the country stumbles, those projects could move elsewhere.
The Energy Information Administration estimates that LNG exports will reach about 18 Bcf/d by 2027.
“So, production in the United States is resilient and around the world is resilient as well," he said.
Brouillette wrapped up his keynote with a word of thanks to the industry.
“On behalf of all of America … thank you for what you're doing. It makes me emotional. I got to tell you because I really appreciate what you guys do.”
