Capitol Hill’s Permitting Reform Advocates Press Forward Despite Senate Majority Leader’s Doubts

Capitol Hill’s Permitting Reform Advocates Push Forward Despite Schumer’s Doubts

Despite Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) expressing skepticism about advancing legislation to expedite the nation’s energy projects, Capitol Hill’s permitting reform advocates are pressing forward with their efforts.

Schumer recently told reporters that it would be “virtually impossible” to get something done this session. However, lawmakers like Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) are still working towards a deal.

During a Senate hearing, Manchin mentioned that he and Barrasso have made progress and have developed language for their permitting deal. They aim to share this language with their colleagues to move the process forward.

Barrasso also confirmed that they are moving in a positive direction and continuing to make progress. However, a source close to Barrasso mentioned that while discussions are ongoing, no agreement has been reached yet.

The discussions on permitting reform have intensified in 2022, especially after Schumer promised to pass legislation aimed at speeding up energy and infrastructure projects in exchange for Manchin’s vote on the Inflation Reduction Act.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have been working towards an agreement, with Republicans seeking measures like “judicial reform” to limit legal challenges to infrastructure projects and Democrats focusing on the buildout of the nation’s power lines to bolster renewable energy.

Despite ongoing negotiations, lawmakers have not announced significant progress towards resolving policy disputes, including concerns about how the costs of the power line buildout would be allocated.

The issue of permitting reform has also divided Democrats internally, with supporters emphasizing the importance of changes to the electric grid to promote renewable energy. However, opponents argue that environmental reviews and the ability to challenge polluting projects should not be compromised.

As the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved a proposal aimed at bolstering electric transmission lines, Schumer expressed doubts about the possibility of legislative action this year. This has sparked backlash from permitting reform advocates like Barrasso and Manchin.

While the negotiations continue, there is a limited time to reach a compromise this session. Despite challenges and disagreements, lawmakers remain optimistic about finding a bipartisan solution to permitting reform.

As the debate continues, the fate of permitting reform rests on the ability of lawmakers to overcome their differences and work towards a common goal of advancing the nation’s energy projects.