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We’re still shoveling out from DC’s crippling snow and ice storm last weekend, but after what we hope was a wonderful holiday season for all, Members have returned to the Capitol, and it’s back to business.
The year kicked off with the sad and sudden passing of Roosevelt Conservation Caucus member Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA). Rep. LaMalfa was known as a staunch advocate for rural America, a steadfast champion of American agriculture, and a leader on forestry and conservation issues. Our thoughts are with his loved ones, colleagues, and constituents during this difficult time. He will be missed ([link removed]) .
Earlier this week, ConservAmerica released Powering America: Reforming the ESA to Recover Species and Build Infrastructure ([link removed]) , a report offering a comprehensive analysis of project litigation from 2005-2025 for 17 major energy projects. Over two-thirds of those projects were challenged under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the National Environmental Policy Act, (NEPA), or the Clean Water Act (CWA).
Our research showed that ESA lawsuits proved to be particularly fatal, as approximately 40% of all major projects challenged under ESA were ultimately canceled or indefinitely delayed. Those impacted projects represent tens of billions of dollars in sunk costs and lost investment, thousands of construction and operations jobs never realized, and the loss of substantial tax revenues for local and state governments, not to mention the effect on the country’s energy security. In our report, we offer four recommendations to achieve better outcomes for endangered and threatened species at a fraction of the current cost.
We submitted our report to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, ahead of their recent hearing ([link removed]) on the federal environmental review and permitting process. We applaud RCC member and Committee Chair, Sen. Capito, and other members of the committee for holding this hearing, and we look forward to continued action on this critical issue.
Though our report focused on fossil fuel energy projects, they are not the only ones subject to onerous and sometimes misguided environmental and permitting reviews. Ironically, renewable energy projects – the very ones often deemed critical for addressing emissions and helping the environment – also face an uphill battle. As we speak, a geothermal project ([link removed]) in Nevada is currently in a litigation ([link removed]) hold due to the ESA.
As ConservAmerica President Jeff Kupfer noted in his latest opinion piece ([link removed]) for Real Clear Markets, the best way to meet the country’s growing need for affordable, reliable power is to let the market lead. We need predictable and durable public policy and to allow all technologies to compete on their merits.
And finally, in case you missed it, ConservAmerica Fellow Alina Voss spoke to CBS News ([link removed]) earlier this month for their piece on how climate anxiety may affect the way young Americans view having a family. Alina chatted with CBS national environmental correspondent David Schechter to express her optimism for the future and the next generation.
That’s it from us for this month. We hope your year is off to a positive start, that your city is better at snow removal than DC is, and that you are staying safe and warm. And as always, thank you for your continued support.
Powering America: Reforming the ESA to Recover Species and Build Infrastructure ([link removed])
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** Commentary: Build Power at the Pace of Innovation - Let the Markets Lead ([link removed])
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