Center for Climate and Energy Solutions

U.S. Bill to Reform Energy Permits Opens a Conflict Between Accelerating Projects and Protecting the Environment

The article discusses the BAAJA bill, which aims to accelerate permits for power lines, energy projects, and gas pipelines, but narrows the scope of certain NEPA reviews and limits the authority of states and tribes in water-quality matters. The author believes its potential impact on the grid and clean energy is offset by the risk of locking in fossil-fuel projects and reducing local community participation.