A new bill introduced by Senate Energy Committee Chairman Joe Manchin and Senator John Barrasso seeks to expedite the approval process for energy and mining projects. If enacted, the legislation would require the Department of Energy to decide on new LNG export projects within 90 days and aims to streamline the approval process for various energy and mineral projects.
Senator Manchin expressed his concerns, stating, “The United States is fortunate to have abundant natural resources that have driven our nation’s success and helped our allies worldwide. However, our outdated permitting system is hindering our economic growth, geopolitical strength, and efforts to reduce emissions.”
Manchin and Barrasso’s bill is designed to speed up permitting processes while still maintaining environmental protections and community safeguards. They hope it will address the current inefficiencies without compromising on important regulations.
Bloomberg reported that the bill might face challenges in passing in its current form but could influence future energy legislation in the next Congress.
The bill’s primary goal is to accelerate approval times for new energy, mining, and grid expansion projects, which are critical for adapting to an energy system that increasingly depends on wind and solar power.
Both senators have criticized President Biden’s recent pause on new LNG export approvals. This pause, implemented earlier this year in response to climate activists who argue that natural gas has a worse climate impact than coal, led to legal challenges from over a dozen states. Recently, a federal judge in Louisiana blocked the pause, ruling that it was arbitrary, capricious, and unconstitutional. The judge also found that the Department of Energy had exceeded its authority.