US Sen Manchin Takes Another Run At Energy Permitting Reform

Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) has introduced the American Energy Security Act of 2023, taking his third run at legislating his energy permitting reform bill.

• The legislation is the same as the bill which was blocked from the National Defense Authorisation Act in a 47-47 Senate vote in December and failed to be attached to a government funding continuing resolution in September despite a deal struck with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) for Manchin's approval of the Inflation Reduction Act.
• Manchin said in a statement: “...It often takes between five and ten years — sometimes longer — to get critical energy infrastructure projects approved, putting us years behind [allies], who each have policies designed to complete permitting in three years or less... It is clear that without comprehensive permitting reform, we will never ensure lasting American energy security..."
• The legislation sets a two-year limit on environmental reviews of federal energy produces, reduces red tape on energy projects, compels the president to prioritise the permitting of 25 high-level energy projects, and greenlights the Mountain Valley pipeline in Manchin's home state of West Virginia.