**Manchin, Barrasso Energy Permitting Agreement Faces Uphill Battle**
**Sens. Manchin and Barrasso Reach Agreement on Energy Permitting Reform**
In a recent development, Senators Joe Manchin and John Barrasso have finally reached an agreement on energy permitting reform. However, despite this significant milestone, their effort still faces an uphill climb. The duo will need to garner support from leadership and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers, as well as secure floor space at the end of the year to push their deal forward. This is especially crucial for Manchin, who is set to leave the Senate in January and views this initiative as a final chance to leave a lasting legacy.
Various key lawmakers have expressed openness to the effort, which aims to strengthen the buildout of both renewable and fossil fuel energy sources, but have refrained from outright endorsing it. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer voiced his interest in the reform, stating, “I’d like to get permitting reform done,” but stopped short of fully backing it.
House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman commented that the Manchin-Barrasso language aligns well with ongoing efforts on the House side, hinting at potential collaboration. However, the specifics of how the two proposals will converge remain unclear, as detailed agreements are yet to be revealed.
The Manchin-Barrasso bill, introduced after a two-year endeavor to push permitting reform, arrives amidst lawmakers preparing for the August recess. With the Senate set to adjourn in October and early November, time is of the essence for the legislative process.
The legislation includes provisions aimed at enhancing interregional connectivity for the nation’s electric grid, facilitating the buildout of renewable and fossil energy, and streamlining processes to challenge energy projects in court. Xan Fishman of the Bipartisan Policy Center highlighted the bill’s potential to make energy more affordable, reliable, and environmentally friendly by driving emissions reductions.
However, the bill faces opposition from progressives and environmental advocates who object to its pro-fossil fuel measures and potential hurdles for community or environmental groups looking to block energy projects. Representative Jared Huffman criticized Manchin’s support for the fossil fuel industry but vowed to push back against such efforts.
Schumer’s past willingness to support Manchin’s initiatives in exchange for votes on crucial bills has faced setbacks, with many Republicans opposing previous permitting proposals. Schumer himself expressed skepticism about the feasibility of permitting reform in the current political landscape, citing challenges in garnering bipartisan support.
Despite these obstacles, Barrasso remains optimistic about advancing the bill during the upcoming lame duck session of Congress. Manchin and Barrasso, as chairs of the Senate’s Energy and Natural Resources Committee, are forging ahead with their legislation, focusing on key areas before the recess.
The committee is scheduled to mark up the bill next week, drawing praise from key lawmakers like Senate Environment and Public Works Chair Tom Carper, who deemed it a “pretty good effort.” Yet, some potential supporters like Sen. Peter Welch remain cautious, expressing doubts about the bill’s chances amid looming election-related distractions.
In conclusion, while the agreement between Manchin and Barrasso marks a significant step forward in energy permitting reform, the road ahead remains uncertain. With challenges to overcome and limited time on the legislative calendar, the fate of the reform effort hangs in the balance.
By: [Author’s Name]
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/4793595-manchin-barrasso-energy-permitting-reform/amp/
Manchin, Barrasso energy permitting reform – The Hill
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) on Thursday introduced a bill to streamline federal permitting for energy projects. The legislation, titled the “Improving Actions for Streamlining Environmental Reviews (IASER) Act,” aims to reduce delays and uncertainties in the permitting process for energy infrastructure projects. Read more on The Hill.