Heinrich: Faster permitting can cut costs, create jobs
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich argues that bipartisan permitting reform could accelerate clean-energy and transmission projects in New Mexico, lower electricity costs, and create more than 21,000 jobs. He says the legislation would also require data centers to pay for the grid costs they create while preserving environmental and tribal protections.
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico is promoting the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, legislation he says would streamline permitting for major energy and infrastructure projects. Citing the 17-year development timeline for the SunZia transmission project, Heinrich argues that permitting delays raise costs, disrupt hiring and slow the availability of new electricity.
Heinrich said preliminary estimates indicate the bill could create more than 21,000 jobs in New Mexico, generate $1.7 billion in labor income and produce $5 billion in economic output. He also said the measure would expand the electric grid, require data centers to cover the grid costs associated with their demand, and maintain environmental safeguards, tribal consultation and the ability to challenge projects in court.