By Charles Young, The Exponent Telegram
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., has unveiled his latest attempt to reform the process of issuing federal permits for energy projects.
Manchin, chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 is intended to strengthen energy security by accelerating the permitting process for critical energy and mineral projects of all types.
“The United States of America is blessed with abundant natural resources that have powered our nation to greatness and allow us to help our friends and allies around the world,” Manchin said. “Unfortunately, today our outdated permitting system is stifling our economic growth, geopolitical strength and ability to reduce emissions.”
The legislation was written in collaboration with U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., the committee’s ranking member, Manchin said.
“After over a year of holding hearings in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, thoughtfully considering input from our colleagues on both sides of the aisle and engaging in good faith negotiations, Ranking Member Barrasso and I have put together a commonsense, bipartisan piece of legislation that will speed up permitting and provide more certainty for all types of energy and mineral projects without bypassing important protections for our environment and impacted communities,” Manchin said.
