Key Democrat warns permitting bill could create "gold rush for gas"
Summary
Rep. Sean Casten, a Democrat from Illinois who supports permitting reform, has not yet endorsed a bipartisan energy infrastructure bill. He says a provision using the previous five years of permitting decisions as a benchmark could favor natural gas, and he is negotiating changes with Senate Democrats while supporting passage before year’s end.Key Facts
- The bill is sponsored by two Republicans and two Democrats who lead the Senate’s energy and environment committees.
- The legislation would speed construction of power lines and other energy infrastructure.
- A provision would let developers challenge allegedly discriminatory permitting decisions by comparing them with decisions made during the prior five years.
- Casten says the five-year benchmark could treat the Trump administration’s handling of renewable energy projects as a precedent.
- Casten is discussing possible changes with Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse and Martin Heinrich.
- An initial procedural vote is scheduled for Nov. 9, shortly after the midterm elections.
- The White House supports the deal and is urging a vote.
- Democrats are divided over the bill: some urge passage, while others seek restoration of canceled clean-energy grants or oppose the legislation.
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