Whitehouse and Heinrich Joint Statement on Permitting Reform

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW), and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, issued the following statement on permitting reform:

"After discussions with our colleagues, we have decided to reopen negotiations on permitting reform. We are hopeful that recent developments are indicative of a positive direction from the Trump administration. As we move forward, we expect that there will be no further interference with already-permitted wind projects and that the initial movement we've seen on solar project permitting will accelerate, and other renewable projects will move forward as well. Seeing permits continuing to be approved by the administration is critical for ensuring that talks can continue. Further mischief will undo our willingness to resume negotiations.

"We look forward to working on a bipartisan bill that will speed infrastructure development, lower energy costs, and create good-paying jobs."