There is a new effort underway in the US Senate to accelerate the permitting of energy infrastructure. Senators Joe Manchin (I-WV) and John Barrasso (R-WY), the chair and ranking member of the Senate’s Energy and Natural Resources Committee, have proposed the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which contains provisions to increase connectivity for the nation’s electric grid, support the build out of both renewable and fossil energy, and decrease the time allowed for commenting on and challenging energy projects in court. Even though the bill faces significant hurdles, especially from progressives who argue it is too supportive of fossil fuel projects and reduces the power of opponents to stop them, there is also recognition that it provides support for critical infrastructure upgrades necessary to help meet national climate goals. The bill has moved to the full Senate for consideration, and there are indications that it may ultimately have the backing it needs to pass.
However, the history of efforts to fast-track the permitting of energy projects has shown that such “reforms” often reward fossil fuel companies and sideline communities that suffer the severe negative consequences that can accompany poorly planned and regulated energy infrastructure construction.
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