CERAWEEK: Granholm hopeful of future US energy permitting reform

Accelerating permitting for energy projects remains a top priority for the White House, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said March 8.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the CERAWeek by S&P Global conference in Houston, Granholm expressed President Joe Biden's support for a bill introduced late December of last year, in which Senator Joe Manchin, Democrat-West Virginia, outlined a push for permitting reform that would expedite approvals for both clean energy and oil and natural gas projects.

Although the bill was met with support from Biden, it had limited congressional support with Republicans and progressives aligned in their opposition.

The bill has since been rejected, but Granholm remained optimistic about permitting reform and its ability to invigorate clean energy projects.

"I'm still hopeful Congress will come forward with a permitting bill that protects the environment," while also prioritizing the advancement of these regulatory practices, she said. "It shouldn't take a year to permit new projects in the US."

Permit reform remains a hot topic for producers, as panelists discussed challenges in meeting growing export demand at CERAWeek on March 8.

Sean Strawbridge, CEO of of the Port of Corpus Christi, expressed his concerns regarding lengthy permitting timelines.

"That is also endemic of why we need more regulatory reform and more accountability from these federal agencies who are responsible for issuing these permits," Strawbridge said.

Looking forward, house Republicans are in preparation of moving their own bill this spring, with committee markups happening March 9.