Background: On July 22, 2024, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024. The legislation seeks to limit lawsuits related to energy permitting decisions and shorten the energy permitting process. The bill comes at a critical time following the White House Council on Environmental Quality new requirements to the already complicated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permitting process. The fate of the bill remains uncertain with few legislative days left in this congress.
What does the bill do? The bill would limit lawsuits once permits have been issued on energy construction projects. In addition, it would expedite timelines for permitting decisions on energy construction projects.
What is missing? While the bill expedites the permitting and legal review process for projects, it does not appear to have any restrictions on who can file a petition or civil complaint against a project. AGC continues to advocate for this restriction and will work with members of Congress on legislation to achieve this.
Want to learn more? For more information see the bill text, AGC summary, or Senate Energy & Natural Resources summary. Or if you still have questions contact John Chambers at (202) 547-3350.