Energy advocates are hoping permitting provisions in bipartisan housing legislation on the Senate floor this week could help lead to broader reforms.
Broad energy permitting talks are largely on ice because of a blockade from top Democrats in protest of the administration’s hostility to renewable power production. Still, permitting provisions continue to be part of other bills moving through Congress.
The Senate on Monday took an initial procedural vote on updated text to the “ROAD to Housing Act,” from Banking Chair Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and ranking member Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). The tally was 84-6. The House last month passed the “Housing for the 21st Century Act,” H.R. 6644, also with broad support.
The proposals generally aim to increase affordable housing supply through financing reforms and other various programs. Included are provisions to accelerate National Environmental Policy Act reviews.
