Why It Matters
A bipartisan Senate proposal would establish new approval rules for energy and infrastructure projects while limiting parts of the federal environmental-impact review process. Supporters say the changes could affect electricity costs, clean-power development, construction, and employment.
What Happened
Top Republican and Democratic senators unveiled a 417-page permitting bill. The measure is sponsored by Mike Lee, Martin Heinrich, Shelley Moore Capito, and Sheldon Whitehouse.
The proposal would revise permits and approvals for energy and infrastructure projects and restrict federal regulators’ environmental reviews. Lawmakers may debate it during the November lame-duck session.
Whitehouse said the legislation could reduce electricity costs, expand clean power, and create construction work and jobs. Lee said the existing system takes too long and costs too much, despite available resources and workers.
Environmental groups oppose the proposed changes, citing potential effects on clean air, water, and wildlife. Representatives of 122 clean-air and water organizations sent a letter to Senate Democrats opposing the bill’s potential impacts.
Rep. Jared Huffman said most Democrats would need major questions and concerns addressed before backing the measure. He supports faster approvals for transmission and clean-energy projects but raised environmental concerns about the proposal.
By the Numbers
417 pages — length of the permitting-reform bill.
November — expected timing for possible lame-duck-session debate.
More than 50 years ago — when the environmental permitting system was created.
1970 — year of the National Environmental Policy Act.
122 — clean-air and water advocacy organizations represented in the letter.
Zoom Out
The proposal would revise a federal environmental permitting system created more than 50 years ago, including under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970.
The bill could also affect projects such as the proposed Alaska LNG project, which would transport natural gas from Alaska’s North Slope to a terminal in southern Alaska.
What’s Next
The bill is expected to face amendments and possible opposition from the White House and House Democrats before lawmakers consider whether to advance it.