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Trump Promises Fast-Tracked Permits for $1B US Investment, Yet Challenges Loom

Trump Promises Fast-Tracked Permits for Billion-Dollar Energy Projects

WASHINGTON—President-elect Donald Trump is making waves with his commitment to expedite federal permitting for energy and construction projects exceeding $1 billion. In a recent announcement on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that such investments would receive "fully expedited approvals and permits," purportedly including environmental permissions—a promise that raises eyebrows given the regulatory landscape.

Environmental advocates swiftly condemned the proposal, arguing it contradicts the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which mandates federal review of potential ecological impacts. Lena Moffitt, executive director of Evergreen Action, criticized Trump, asserting he is prioritizing corporate interests at the expense of environmental safeguards. "This plan is obviously illegal,” she contended, warning it could lead to detrimental projects like waste incinerators near prized locations such as Mar-a-Lago.

Despite the backlash, there appears to be bipartisan interest in streamlining the permitting process. Analysts, like Kevin Book of ClearView Energy Partners, highlighted that delays in project approvals hinder various sectors, including energy. A bipartisan proposal led by Senate Energy Committee Chairman Joe Manchin and Sen. John Barrasso aims to accelerate regulatory processes for major energy projects, although its fate remains uncertain.

Critics of this bipartisan plan fear it could facilitate unchecked drilling on public lands. Rep. Raul Grijalva described it as a "dirty deal" that would diminish regulatory oversight. Trump’s senior adviser, Jason Miller, indicated that such regulatory cuts would foster a "golden age of regulation-cutting" and rejuvenate the U.S. economy.

As the political landscape evolves, Trump’s plan to fast-track permitting could delay broader regulatory reforms this year, with renewed discussions anticipated in the new congressional session next year.

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Photo credit aldailynews.com

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