Senator Joe Manchin reportedly reached an agreement with Democratic leaders to advance legislation that would expedite the process for approving new energy projects and allow the Mountain Valley Pipeline in West Virginia to move forward. This side deal was agreed to in exchange for Senator Manchin’s surprise support of the Senate’s climate, energy, and healthcare package last week.
These changes to the energy permitting process would occur via legislation separate from the Inflation Reduction Act and would not qualify for the Senate budget procedure, making it impossible to approve a simple majority. The new agreement will need 60 votes to be approved and therefore requires Democratic and Republican support in order to pass.
According to a one-page summary, the new legislation would set new two-year maximum limits for environmental reviews for major projects and would expedite the approval process for energy projects by centralizing decision-making within one agency. It would also make it more difficult to challenge energy projects under the National Environmental Policy Act and would give the Department of Energy more authority to approve electric transmission lines.
The additional legislation is likely to face opposition from environmental groups and Democrats like Representative Raúl Grijalva, the chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, who said he’s worried that “comprehensive permitting reform” is a euphemism for gutting foundational environmental and public health protections like the National Environmental Policy Act.
Quick hits
Democrats’ side deal with Manchin could speed up energy projects
Washington Post | New York Times | E&E News | Politico
Kyrsten Sinema still hasn’t made a decision on Democrats’ climate and tax bill
Proposed quarry looks to mine fracking sand near Dinosaur
Public lands offer free entry on August 4 to celebrate the Great American Outdoors Act Anniversary
Why does the American West have so many wildfires?
Despite universal public support, Nebraska Governor fights conservation goal
Flash floods close roads into Death Valley National Park
Associated Press | Los Angeles Times
People who want to visit the world’s tallest living tree now risk a $5,000 fine
National Public Radio | New York Times
Quote of the day
It’s the most unimpressive tree you’ll ever see. I’ve worked at this park for 33 years now, I’ve seen most of the old growth in this park, and this particular tree is not that impressive at the base. It’s just really tall.”
Picture this
CAPTION CALL! A great horned owl at Julia Butler Hansen National Wildlife Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer (WA and OR) could use a clever caption. Got one? We’ll name our favorite tomorrow.
📷Jake Bonello/@USFWS
(featured image: Attribution | link)