FAST-41 clears Texas natural gas pipeline project for construction

(UI) — A natural gas infrastructure project in Shelby County, Texas, has received federal approvals under the FAST-41 permitting program, allowing construction to begin after completing the federal review process in less than a year.

The Cobra Master Development Plan, developed by Silver Hill Energy Partners, includes a 20-inch natural gas pipeline, associated infrastructure within the Sabine National Forest and up to four well pads supporting as many as 24 natural gas wells on existing federal mineral leases.

The project was permitted under the FAST-41 process, which is intended to improve coordination among federal agencies and establish predictable permitting schedules for major infrastructure projects requiring multiple federal approvals. The review involved the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.

Monica Smith Griffin, president and CEO of Reagan Smith, said the project moved from federal review to construction in less than a year through coordinated agency engagement.

"Projects of this scope historically can take two to three years to permit," Griffin said. "Through FAST-41 coverage, coordinated review by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, Cobra completed permitting in under a year and is now under construction."

Jason Gordeuk, senior vice president of operations and drilling for Silver Hill Energy Partners, credited the permitting process with improving collaboration among participating agencies.

"The FAST-41 process demonstrates what is possible when all participating agencies are aligned early, remain actively engaged and commit to a shared outcome," Gordeuk said.

According to Reagan Smith, FAST-41 does not replace environmental reviews but provides a framework to coordinate permitting schedules, increase agency collaboration and allow the public to track project progress through the Federal Permitting Dashboard.

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