Republicans push bill to speed energy project approvals

A Republican-led bill aims to streamline environmental reviews and restrict legal challenges to fast-track U.S. energy projects amid ongoing bipartisan talks in Congress.

Rachel Frazin reports for The Hill.

In short:

Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) released a draft bill to shorten environmental reviews and limit court challenges.
The bill restricts the definition of environmental impacts and limits courts from halting projects unless actual harm is proven.
Critics warn it could exclude key climate impacts from reviews, especially regarding fossil fuel emissions.

Why this matters:

Streamlining permits for energy projects could speed up development, but narrowing environmental reviews may overlook long-term climate consequences, particularly related to fossil fuels.

thehill.com

Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.

Republicans push bill to speed energy project approvals

Earth's worsening climate crisis demands immediate action

Wildlife populations drop sharply as habitat loss continues

Florida’s homelessness crackdown complicates hurricane recovery

Insurance costs squeeze commercial real estate as climate risks rise

Contamination from flooded industrial sites during major hurricanes is a growing concern

Midwest eyed as safer business spot amid rising climate risks

Western states could see significant carbon cuts with new energy transmission projects

Houston area has more than 100 unauthorized air pollution events already this year

An EHN analysis finds nearly half were related to flaring.

LISTEN: Mokshda Kaul on making the clean energy transition work for all

“Coalitions become this interesting way to create buy-in.”

Op-ed: Is plastic the biggest climate threat?

A plastics treaty for the climate and health must address overproduction of plastics and head off the petrochemical and plastic industry’s planned expansion.

Residents say Pennsylvania has failed communities after state studies linked fracking to child cancer

Last year Pennsylvania Department of Health studies showed increased risk of childhood cancer, asthma and low birth weights for people living near fracking. Advocates say not enough has been done since.

The fossil fuel industry is disproportionately harming low-income and minority women: Report

“Women, in all of their diversity, must be at the center of climate and energy decision-making.”

Op-ed: People need shelter from climate change — their health hangs in the balance

The discourse on climate resilience must include affordable housing policy solutions.