Opinion: Clean energy projects would also benefit from permitting reform
An opinion piece argues for streamlining the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to accelerate the deployment of clean energy projects. The authors contend that current permitting delays, exacerbated by NEPA lawsuits, hinder the expansion of transmission capacity needed to meet rapidly growing energy demand, including that from data centers. They advocate for bipartisan reform to transition to clean energy and avoid reliance on new fossil fuel plants.
Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., recently advocated for permitting reform to boost economic growth, specifically citing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970 (NEPA) as an obstacle. While Barrasso may focus on fossil fuel permitting, climate advocates Ferguson and Yaeckel, from the San Diego chapters of the Citizens Climate Lobby, agree that NEPA reform is essential for the transition to clean energy. They argue that NEPA issues are causing delays in critical infrastructure projects, particularly in expanding transmission capacity.
The article highlights that energy demand is projected to double or triple in the next two decades due to factors like building electrification, industrial and population growth, and the proliferation of power-hungry data centers. It currently takes over 10 years on average to obtain permits for necessary infrastructure due to serial NEPA lawsuits. The authors emphasize the urgent need for this demand to be met by clean energy, warning that without rapid expansion of transmission capacity, the growth will be met by new fossil fuel gas plants.
They note that 93%-95% of energy projects suppressed by delays and inadequate transmission are clean energy initiatives, which are now more economical to build and operate than existing fossil fuel plants. While acknowledging concerns that reform might also streamline fossil fuel projects, they believe this should not impede modernizing the grid for renewable energy approvals. Discussions are ongoing in Congress, with Sen. Barrasso's bill and other Democratic proposals aiming for a more focused and balanced approach, deemed crucial for meeting climate goals and protecting the environment.