Senate Democrats are ready to restart discussions on allowing reform

Two lawmakers said on Thursday that the Senate Democrats were ready to resume negotiations on legislation designed to speed up?permitting for large infrastructure projects. They stated that they had been encouraged by recent Trump administration moves to review renewable energy project applications which had been stalled.

Sheldon Whitehouse, Martin Heinrich and other Republicans made a 'joint statement' in response to some Republicans who have publicly stated that projects already approved should not be delayed or cancelled due to changing political priorities.

After discussions with our peers, we decided to reopen the negotiations on permit reform,"? Heinrich and Whitehouse stated. "We hope that the recent developments indicate a positive direction from the Trump administration."

As we move forward, "we expect that there won't be any further interference with already-permitted projects, that initial progress we've seen in solar project permitting, and that other renewable projects will also move forward."

Trump's second term has been used to impede the?expansion? of clean energy technologies, which were at the core of Joe Biden’s climate and energy agendas.

The Interior Department announced in July that it would be adding new layers of scrutiny to wind and solar project reviews. These projects have been stalled. The administration also tried to block offshore projects that were?fully allowed and under construction.

In recent weeks, several solar projects that are on the federal fast-track permitting list have updated their review timelines.

The 'SPEED Act' passed the House of Representatives last December, but Democrats fought against it in the Senate. They wanted the legislation to be a boon for clean energy and transmission projects.

Mike Lee, Republican senator and chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee said he was encouraged that the Democrats were willing to resume discussions.

Lee stated in an emailed message that "we have a real chance to deliver bipartisan reforms that allow America to build again." "I am looking forward to continuing these discussions and getting this accomplished."

The White House and Interior Department didn't immediately respond to comments. Reporting by Nichola Grroom; editing by Michael Perry

(source: Reuters)