Senate approves energy permitting bill

The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has advanced the bipartisan Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, aiming to expedite the permitting process for various energy projects, including renewables and fossil fuels. Introduced by Senators Joe Manchin (I-WV) and John Barrasso (R-WY), the legislation seeks to reduce judicial review timelines from six years to 150 days for challenges to energy project approvals and mandates federal agencies to act within 180 days on remanded authorizations. Manchin emphasized the bill's potential to enhance energy security while maintaining environmental protections. The committee voted 15-4 in favor, despite opposition from some Democratic and independent senators. The legislation is now headed to the full Senate for consideration, with discussions ongoing about additional provisions for hydropower projects. Over 360 environmental organizations have expressed opposition to the bill, raising concerns about its potential impacts.