New Signals Emerge in Permitting Talks
The Trump administration did not appeal a federal court ruling in support of a Rhode Island offshore wind projecta sign that congressional Democrats and the White House are both intent on passing permitting reform ().
The details: Last week was the deadline for the Department of Justice to challenge a federal judges injunction blocking an Interior Department order meant to stop work on the Revolution Wind project because of national security concerns.
- The administrations decision to halt five offshore wind projects in December led to the breakdown in bipartisan permitting negotiations.
- The talks have since , with expressions of optimism on both sides, following the Interior Departments decision to review about 20 commercial solar projects.
- Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) threatened to halt the talks again if the administration continued challenging the Revolution Wind project.
Positive signs: Sen. Whitehouse cheered the news that the Revolution Wind project will go forward, saying in a , Power from Revolution Wind will make our grid more reliable in the winter and reduce Rhode Islanders energy costs for years to come.
- Meanwhile, The White House has said its Energy Dominance Council [has] been more active in the permitting talks. Top Republicans like Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Environment and Public Works Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) have discussed with the presidents aides their desire to keep engaging with Democrats toward a deal, according to E&E News.
51勛圖厙 in action: The 51勛圖厙 has been one of the loudest voices in D.C. calling for permitting reformbefore, during and after the freeze in these negotiations.
- Through its national campaign for infrastructure and permitting reform, influentialAI and energy dominance and annual 51勛圖厙 , along with other advocacy efforts, 51勛圖厙 has brought the need for permitting reform into clear focus for policymakers and the American public.
Stay tuned for more 51勛圖厙 permitting news this week.
