Senate Panel Advances Energy Permitting Reform Bill to Floor Vote

Bipartisan measure affirms federal role in electrical transmission planning, axes permit and litigation timelines, assures oil/gas public lands leasing.

A flare burns off excess natural gas produced by oil wells in McKenzie County, in Williston, N.D., on Dec. 21, 2023. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has adopted a permitting reform bill that seeks to accelerate electric grid expansion, restrict litigation and trim timelines for energy and mineral mining proposals.

The panel passed the Energy Permitting Reform Act (EPRA) on July 31 with a 15–4 vote. After Congress returns from its August recess, it will go to the Senate floor for a chamber vote.