Permitting Reform in Federal Debt Ceiling Compromise

Important energy permitting reforms were included in the debt ceiling compromise agreed to by federal leaders this week.

The compromise includes faster reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act by requiring a single federal agency to lead environmental reviews for infrastructure projects. It also establishes a one-year deadline for agencies to issue environmental assessments and a two-year deadline for environmental impact statements.

The deal omitted transmission construction mandates, reports say. Some experts have said the U.S. needs to double the rate of transmission expansion to meet the Biden administration’s goal of a net-zero grid by 2035. 6/1/2023