Carper Highlights Importance of Emissions Reductions, Community Engagement During Permitting Hearing

Press Release

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"During our first permitting hearing just three weeks ago, we learned that our nation currently has two terawatts of clean energy power sitting on the sidelines, waiting to be connected to our electric grid. We also learned at that first hearing that many communities still do not have a seat at the table, and they need to be heard during the permitting process. I believe we can do better, and we must do better. Fortunately, President Biden agrees, as do many of our colleagues."

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"I believe that a successful permitting reform proposal must accomplish at least three objectives. First, any serious proposal must reduce greenhouse gas emissions while upholding our nation's bedrock environmental statutes. That includes addressing transmission barriers that make it harder for renewables to connect to the grid. Second, that proposal must support early and meaningful community engagement. And, third, the legislation must provide businesses with the certainty and predictability that they need to make informed long-term decisions."

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"We can achieve efficiencies without gutting any existing laws, and that's what we need to do. Unfortunately, a number of recent proposals--mostly from our friends over in the House of Representatives--aim to streamline the permitting process using very blunt tools and setting up what I believe is a false choice. If enacted, they may well strip away bedrock environmental protections under laws, such as the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA … It is my heartfelt belief that we can provide businesses and communities with greater certainty by using a more targeted approach. And, I hope that's exactly what we will do."

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