Statement: Senate drops dirty permitting provisions from appropriations bill

Media Contacts
Lisa Frank

Executive Director, Washington Legislative Office, Environment America; Vice President and D.C. Director, The Public Interest Network

WASHINGTON – Sen. Joe Manchin (WV) requested Tuesday for the U.S. Senate to remove his Energy Independence and Security Act of 2022 from a continuing resolution to fund the government. The upper chamber of Congress is expected to take a procedural vote on the resolution Tuesday night. The legislation aimed to speed up the permitting and construction of energy projects, including pipelines, mining and transmission lines — which would mean less time spent assessing environmental impacts. Congress may still take up Sen. Manchin’s provisions later this year.

Lisa Frank, executive director of Environment America’s Washington Legislative Office, released the following statement:

“Environment America is glad Senate leaders halted their rush to permit more pipelines, mines and other energy projects, including the Mountain Valley Pipeline. ‘Move fast and break things’ was a questionable approach for a social media company, but it’s even more suspect when applied to projects that could irreversibly harm our environment. Sen. Manchin’s request to remove his Energy Independence and Security Act of 2022 from legislation to fund the government is good news for our environment. 

“Now, the Senate should strengthen core environmental protections and end fossil fuel subsidies that waste taxpayer dollars and fuel the climate crisis.”

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