| WASHINGTON, DC - ConservAmerica President Jeff Kupfer released the following statement this morning, in connection with the Senate Energy and Natural Resources’ Full Committee Hearing to Examine Opportunities for Congress to Reform the Process for Permitting Electric Transmission Lines, Pipelines, and Energy Production on Federal Lands: “We are encouraged to see permitting reform moving forward with today’s hearing. Our country is in desperate need of meaningful legislation that will modernize our permitting system. While Congress has taken some steps, our existing permitting and regulatory approval processes are still sidelining resources, stopping projects, and limiting the benefits of policies intended to be transformative. “Permitting reform is not only important for infrastructure and energy projects but also for conservation efforts. While some argue that reform only benefits fossil fuel development, that claim couldn’t be further from the truth. The fact is that we will never be able to truly pivot to a clean energy future and address our conservation and environmental challenges unless we change the disruptive and stunted way we permit projects. “ConservAmerica applauds Chairman Manchin, Ranking Member Barrasso and the rest of the committee for their dedication to addressing this issue. We look forward to tangible results.” Prior to a May 2023 hearing, ConservAmerica sent a letter to Chairman Joe Manchin and Ranking Member John Barrasso in support of meaningful legislation to reform and modernize our nation’s permitting process. ConservAmerica is a nonprofit organization that advocates for market-based solutions to conservation, environmental, and energy challenges. Visit us at ConservAmerica and follow us on Twitter @ConservAmerica and Facebook. CONTACT: [email protected]. |
