The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has advanced a bipartisan bill aimed at streamlining the federal permitting process for energy and infrastructure projects. The legislation passed committee with a 14-6 vote and now heads to the full Senate.
Sponsors say the bill would reduce average permitting timelines from over four years to under two years while maintaining environmental review standards. The measure has support from both energy producers and some environmental organizations.
House leadership has indicated willingness to take up a companion bill, raising hopes for passage before the August recess.
