Interior Secretary Doug Burgum rallied behind efforts in Congress to make changes to permitting laws Wednesday, despite actions by agencies within his department that have gummed up those negotiations.
“It’s absolutely essential that this permitting bill goes forward,” Burgum said during a Senate Appropriations hearing on the Interior Department’s budget request.
Senators have been in bipartisan talks for months examining ways to streamline permitting processes for a range of projects. But the Trump administration’s efforts to block wind development and open hostility to renewable energy have been a major sticking point for Democrats and have at times led them to pause the permitting talks entirely.
In response to questioning from Environment and Public Works Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) — who has been a leading player in the negotiations — Burgum said changes to laws like the National Environmental Policy Act and Endangered Species Act are necessary to stop their “weaponization” and to return to Congress’ original intent.
