Government Shutdown Unlikely But Down to the Wire
September 26, 2022
Permitting reform continues to hold up a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government past Friday’s fiscal year deadline. A test vote in the Senate on Tuesday will determine whether the CR includes permitting reform.
Why it matters: The government is at low risk of a shutdown, but lawmakers are down to the wire.
The big picture: Permitting reform supporters say the federal permitting process for both fossil fuel and renewable energy projects (like electric transmission) come with too much red tape under the National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act. This red tape prevents projects that create jobs, increase domestic energy production, and make the US energy-independent.
Yes, but: Reform opponents fear fewer and less robust environmental reviews, harming low-income communities of color who suffer from pollution by fossil fuel projects in their neighborhoods.
What's next: If the CR does not include permitting changes, lawmakers could add the provisions in a year-end omnibus spending bill or must-pass defense bill later this year.