Democratic senator pushes back on GOP energy permitting demands

Sen. Tom Carper opposes Republican proposals to alter environmental review laws in the latest effort to reform energy permitting before year’s end.

Kelsey Brugger reports for E&E News.

In short:

• Sen. Tom Carper, chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee, resists GOP changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) during bipartisan permitting reform negotiations.
• Republicans want to expedite reviews and limit judicial oversight, while some Democrats seek compromise to achieve clean energy goals.
• Time is running out for a deal as Congress approaches adjournment, with divisions complicating progress on the Manchin-Barrasso energy permitting bill.

Key quote:

“I think they’ve gone a bridge or two too far. We’re going to keep talking.”

— Tom Carper, Senate Environment and Public Works Chair

Why this matters:

Permitting reform impacts how quickly energy and infrastructure projects, including renewable energy, get approved. Balancing faster approvals with environmental safeguards is crucial for achieving climate goals and protecting communities from harmful projects.