Today, numerous media outlets reported the details of a permitting deal reached by Senator Manchin and Democratic leadership in the House and Senate. After news reports of the details, Earthjustice President Abigail Dillen issued the following statement:

“The National Environmental Policy Act is a bridge, not a barrier, to ensuring that we build out the clean energy infrastructure of the future in a just, equitable, sustainable, and timely way. Chipping away at NEPA prioritizes polluting industries and fossil fuel interests over people who are dealing with prolonged exposure to toxic pollution. No deal should do further harm to NEPA or force the president to endorse new fossil fuels projects in the midst of our climate emergency.

“We have experienced first-hand how inclusive and well-resourced permitting processes can result in expeditious siting and approval of new renewables projects, and we are thrilled to see funds for NEPA implementation in the Inflation Reduction Act. We also know how crucial it is to put the brakes on new fossil fuels approvals in the absence of essential climate and environmental justice analysis.

“We will fight this attempt to weaken bedrock environmental review laws when the time comes. As more details of this deal emerge, we will rigorously analyze its impacts and oppose any attempt at silencing communities in the name of ‘cutting red tape.’ In the meantime, we must focus on what’s in front of us and get the critical climate and environmental justice investments in the Inflation Reduction Act passed. Our planet can’t wait.”