Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee made clear Wednesday that the Trump administration’s efforts to thwart solar energy and offshore wind projects and downsize the federal workforce may get in the way of any permitting deal.
Their comments came during a highly anticipated hearing on several bills to address permitting concerns, including a bipartisan proposal sponsored by Chair Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) to overhaul the National Environmental Policy Act.
For years, lawmakers have been looking for the right mix of concessions to secure a permitting deal both sides claim to want. The administration’s posture has only complicated the formulations.
“We have to keep the important context of this moment during negotiations,” said first-term Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.), criticizing the Trump administration’s recent actions to halt the Revolution Wind project off Rhode Island.
