Proposals to streamline and speed up permitting for US energy projects, including wind farms, have been dropped, after opposition from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
Widely welcomed by the renewables sector, the proposals were included in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2022, introduced by Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer and Joe Manchin, West Virginia senator and author of the proposals, as part of a stopgap funding bill, known as the Continuing Resolution. However, the proposals faced widespread opposition on both sides of the Senate, with many suggesting it could pave the way for more fossil-fuel projects.
To ensure the spending bill – which aims to prevent a government shutdown – can progress, Manchin reluctantly asked Schumer to withdraw the permitting plans from the bill shortly before a crucial vote on it was due. With the proposals removed, the Senate voted 72-23 in favour of moving forward with the spending bill.
In a statement, Manchin said it was "unfortunate that members of the United States Senate are allowing politics to put the energy security of our nation at risk". He went on to suggest that a failed vote "on something as critical as comprehensive permitting reform" only serves to embolden leaders like Vladimir Putin "who wish to see America fail." He said it was for that reason and to ensure the government is not forced to shut down that he asked for the permitting proposals to be withdrawn.
Machin remains determined to improve the permitting system, however. “Over the last several weeks there has been broad consensus on the urgent need to address our nation’s flawed permitting system. I stand ready to work with my colleagues to move forward on this critical legislation to meet the challenges of delivering affordable reliable energy Americans desperately need," he said. "Inaction is not a strategy for energy independence and security.”
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