US says billionaire Gertler’s royalties must go to Congo for sanctions deal
A senior White House adviser said lifting that punishment is necessary to open up the assets to new investments that support US interests.
US Senators Joe Manchin (I-WV) and John Barrasso (R-WY), on behalf of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released on Monday the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024.
The legislation could speed up approvals of clean-energy, pipeline and electricity transmission projects by shortening some federal environmental reviews and setting limits on court challenges.
“The United States of America is blessed with abundant natural resources that have powered our nation to greatness and allow us to help our friends and allies around the world,” Manchin said in a news release. “Unfortunately, today our outdated permitting system is stifling our economic growth, geopolitical strength, and ability to reduce emissions.”
He went on to say that the bill is a result of over a year of hearings in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, considering input from colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and negotiations. Manchin currently serves as Chairman of the Committee.
It signals a win for West Virginia Senator Manchin, previously a Democrat, now serving as an Independent, after a previously stalled legislative effort to fast-track energy projects. A bid to attach the energy-permitting package was dropped from must-pass government funding legislation in the Senate last year when it didn’t have the votes.
“A commonsense, bipartisan piece of legislation will speed up permitting and provide more certainty for all types of energy and mineral projects without bypassing important protections for our environment and impacted communities,” Manchin continued.
“The Energy Permitting Reform Act will advance American energy once again to bring down prices, create domestic jobs, and allow us to continue in our role as a global energy leader.”
“Washington’s disastrous permitting system has shackled American energy production and punished families in Wyoming and across our country. Congress must step in and fix this process,” added Barrasso, Ranking Member of the Committee. “Our bipartisan bill secures future access to oil and gas resources on federal lands and waters.”
The American Exploration & Mining Association (AEMA) released a statement on Tuesday applauding the bill.
“Our inefficient federal permitting system is a significant deterrent to attracting investment in the United States to explore for and develop strategic mineral resources, and it has resulted in the US being increasingly reliant on foreign countries,” AEMA executive director Mark Compton said in the statement.
“The permitting reforms in this deal are a good start, and we look forward to working with both sides of the aisle to see they become law.”
Full text of the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 can be found here.
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