Energy Permitting Reform at Risk in Debt Ceiling Negotiations
Lawmakers are close to reaching a deal on energy permitting as part of legislation to raise the debt ceiling and avoid a default. The deal would ease the process of building interstate transmission lines for clean electricity, a priority for Democrats and President Biden's climate agenda. The agreement would also make modest changes to the National Environmental Policy Act to sweeten the deal for Republicans. The proposal would be based on forthcoming legislation known as the Building Integrated Grids With Inter-Regional Energy Supply Act, which could help the US reach net-zero emissions by 2050.