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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.
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.
Related: Texas companies skirt federal environmental laws with permit loopholes
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Republicans clash over keeping green subsidies from 2022 climate law
Republicans are divided on whether to keep the Inflation Reduction Act’s green energy tax credits, with growing support within the party to preserve these incentives despite opposition from conservatives.
In short:
- 18 House Republicans signed a letter asking Speaker Mike Johnson to keep energy tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Some Republicans argue that the subsidies benefit their districts and support economic development, while others see them as wasteful spending.
- GOP leaders face pressure to decide on the future of these credits, particularly if they win the 2024 elections.
Key quote:
“We’ve seen industries that were against the Inflation Reduction Act now lobbying to keep the tax credits."
— John Podesta, White House climate adviser
Why this matters:
This debate highlights internal GOP conflicts over climate policy and the political balancing act between economic benefits and ideological opposition to government spending. The outcome may significantly impact the future of U.S. climate initiatives.
Related EHN coverage:
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Red states reap most benefits from climate law they oppose
A majority of the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy jobs and investments have flowed to Republican states, despite their lawmakers’ opposition.
In short:
- The Inflation Reduction Act has led to more than 330 clean energy projects, generating 109,278 jobs and $126 billion in investments, mostly in GOP districts.
- Conservative states like Georgia and North Carolina have seen significant economic boosts, yet their representatives remain critical of the climate law.
- Some Republicans are reconsidering their opposition, fearing repeal could hurt their states' economies.
Key quote:
“This is what I truly believe is the biggest economic revolution that this country has seen in generations, and it’s because we finally, finally, finally in this country decided to do something about climate change and clean energy.”
— Bob Keefe, executive director of E2
Why this matters:
The IRA is reshaping the U.S. economy, particularly in conservative regions, but political resistance to the law could jeopardize these gains, affecting both the environment and jobs.
Related: Opinion: House Speaker Mike Johnson’s climate change playbook — deny the science, take the funding
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Climate change denial persists among US lawmakers
Nearly a quarter of the U.S. Congress, all Republicans, deny climate change, despite growing public concern over global warming.
In short:
- A study reveals that 123 members of Congress, including 100 in the House and 23 in the Senate, deny human-caused climate change.
- These lawmakers have received a total of $52 million in campaign donations from the fossil fuel industry.
- Although public concern over climate change is increasing, many Americans are overrepresented by climate deniers in Congress.
Key quote:
“It’s harder to deny the science when it’s so much more apparent that the climate is warming, that extreme weather is getting worse and happening constantly. Nobody can deny the science with a straight face, given everything.”
— Naomi Oreskes, history of science professor, Harvard University
Why this matters:
The significant number of climate-denying lawmakers undermines efforts to address climate change despite scientific consensus and growing public alarm. This disconnect poses challenges to advancing meaningful climate policies and addressing the urgent impacts of global warming.
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Supreme Court considers halting Biden's EPA climate rule
The Supreme Court may undermine the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's latest rule on emissions from power plants, following challenges from conservative states and industry groups.
In short:
- Conservative states and industry groups asked the Supreme Court to halt Biden's rule on power plant emissions.
- Critics argue the rule threatens affordable electricity and exceeds EPA’s authority.
- Legal experts doubt the Supreme Court will act against the rule like it did with the Obama-era Clean Power Plan.
Key quote:
“This rule poses a significant threat to affordable and reliable electricity for millions of Americans, especially as power demand skyrockets across the nation.”
— Jim Matheson, CEO of NRECA
Why this matters:
A Supreme Court stay would delay or potentially block regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. This could hinder efforts to combat climate change and maintain cleaner air standards.
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Curtis' win in conservative Utah could influence GOP climate stance
Utah Republican John Curtis’ U.S. Senate primary victory signals potential shifts in GOP climate policies.
In short:
- U.S. Rep. John Curtis, known for his climate advocacy, won his primary, positioning himself for a U.S. Senate seat.
- Curtis founded the Conservative Climate Caucus to promote Republican engagement in climate science and bipartisan solutions.
- His legislative future may include the "PROVE IT Act," focused on studying carbon intensity of U.S. products.
Key quote:
“Does it verify or affirm that you can have a more thoughtful or nuanced position on climate issues and energy issues and still get elected statewide in a conservative state? Yes.”
— U.S. Rep. Garret Graves (R-La), ranking member of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis
Why this matters:
Curtis' win could lead to greater bipartisan cooperation on climate issues in a traditionally conservative state. His efforts to shift Republican perspectives on climate policy may impact national discussions and legislative actions.
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GOP accuses Wall Street firms of climate collusion
House Republicans released a report accusing major investment firms of colluding with climate groups to push for environmentally friendly investing, sparking a new controversy over ESG practices.
In short:
- House Judiciary Committee Republicans claim BlackRock, State Street, and Vanguard are part of a “climate cartel.”
- The report targets activist group Climate Action 100+ for allegedly pressuring asset managers to adopt climate-focused investments.
- The GOP criticizes the Biden administration for not investigating these alleged collusions.
Key quote:
“Investors who undertake investor stewardship on climate change are pursuing a common-sense approach driven by the pursuit of delivering the best long-term returns for their clients and beneficiaries.”
— Climate Action 100+ spokesperson
Why this matters:
This controversy highlights the political tension over ESG investing, which influences how major firms allocate resources and address climate change. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe, the urgency for sustainable solutions has never been greater. Advocates argue that the financial sector must play a pivotal role in this transformation by redirecting capital towards projects and companies that support a low-carbon future.
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