Paolo Mastrangelo is the co-founder of American Policy Ventures.
The recent congressional compromise on permitting reform should be celebrated across the board. This deal is a victory, not only for those who want to bolster the United States' energy capabilities and support energy independence but also serves as a beacon of hope for our entire nation at a time when bipartisan compromises seem few and far between.
Marketed by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., as “bipartisan, commonsense legislation” that he and Ranking Member John Barrasso, R-Wyo., agreed upon through “good faith negotiations,” the Energy Permitting Reform Act sets a strong example of how even the most long-fought legislative battles can end with a deal that benefits parties across the ideological spectrum. For example, this bill helps attain a long-term Democratic priority by expediting the permitting process for renewable and clean energy projects. Meanwhile, Republicans have long agreed that permitting reform can cut bureaucratic tape, help the United States work towards energy independence, and boost our economy, particularly by creating more domestic jobs.
All of these objectives can be accomplished through this deal, making it a critical first step to fixing our broken permitting system. Achieving energy independence would have downstream effects on everything from supply chain resiliency to national security. Vital parts of our nation’s energy portfolio, like natural gas, are falling victim to the currently burdensome permitting process. As a result, we have been walking instead of running towards transitioning to cleaner, more renewable energy sources. This legislation would provide a good foundation to undo unreasonable timetables and fragmented planning processes inhibiting investments in clean energy projects.
Furthermore, this bipartisan compromise would be smart foreign policy as much as it would be smart domestic policy. While over two years ago, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a stark reminder for Europe and the world that any reliance on foreign sources of energy has major consequences. Lawmakers must not allow our nation to fall into that position. Legislative action to speed up our permitting process would help us shore up all of our domestic energy sources and lead the world as an energy superpower. This would undoubtedly strengthen our hand as we compete for the future with the Chinese Communist Party.
While the Energy Permitting Reform Act has passed the smell test for many environmental groups and experts, legislation addressing something as multifaceted as our energy industry will draw public scrutiny. Ultimately, there’s no silver bullet for this issue, so we must use this legislation to lay the groundwork for more comprehensive reform in the next legislative session.
Beyond the energy benefits of this bill, Senators Manchin and Barrasso’s collaboration reminds lawmakers that where there are overlapping goals, they can work out a bipartisan agreement. Not to mention, this compromise is especially impressive given that Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., deemed a deal as “impossible” to get done this legislative session.
We’re almost across the finish line on permitting reform; the Senate must move swiftly to bring this bill to the floor. With August recess coming up and election season nearly upon us, time is running out to tackle this issue before November. If not passed before then, it faces a lame duck session and a new congressional map.
