Energy and Natural Resources Chair Joe Manchin on Monday released draft permitting legislation he hopes will cement his legacy as a bipartisan dealmaker.
The “Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024” includes several provisions that aim to make it easier to build renewable and conventional energy projects.
The bill includes new limits on litigation and language against the Biden administration’s pause on liquefied natural gas export approvals. The text also addresses transmission cost concerns.
Manchin has for months been talking with ranking member John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) about finding common ground on issues that have divided the parties.
In the end, Barrasso is co-sponsoring Manchin’s bill, but it’s unclear whether it will garner broader support on either side of the political aisle.
People familiar with the situation, granted anonymity to speak candidly, said Manchin was hoping for a markup before August recess. An aide declined Monday to confirm that schedule.
Barrasso, who is running for Republican whip, is said to be speaking with members of his party about the legislation. Many have not been eager to give Manchin a policy win or make it easier for developers to run power lines across their states.
Democrats, for their part, may be unwilling to accept the bill’s grid provisions if they also have to support policies like tighter litigation timelines.
