Oppose the Energy Permitting Reform Act

December 3, 2024   

Background: A global shift from fossil fuels is critical to address the climate crisis. Enabling the flow of renewable energy into the U.S. transmission infrastructure reduces oil and methane emissions at a national scale. While purporting benefits to green infrastructure, the Energy Permitting Reform Act (EPRA) would lock in global emissions and toxic mining waste for years to come.

The EPRA would open up federal lands and waters, including Tribal lands, to new leases for mineral, gas and oil extraction. Further, it would remove environmental protections and reduce environmental reviews and community consultation. The legislation would also fast track proposed liquefied natural gas export projects to the endangerment of public health with a disproportionate impact on already affected communities.

In addition, renewable energy infrastructure projects have already been streamlined through the federal permitting and regulatory process in recent years, so such reforms are not needed.

Faith reflection: Seeing ourselves and our planet as God’s creation and as an expression of God’s love fuels our desire to treat all of it with respect. ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you declare to me.’ I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.  Job 42: 4-6

Action: Urge the Senate to oppose the Energy Permitting Reform Act (S. 4753) and to protect climate and community.

Photo above: The construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) in Virginia in 2021. The MVP is currently transporting methane gas over 300 miles through fragile limestone. Despite failed environmental reviews and damaged water resources, Congress attached approval for the MVP in a must-pass budget bill in 2023. Photo courtesy of Kirstin De Mello.