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This week, we’re breaking down Congress’ long-awaited debt ceiling compromise, and what it means for speeding up new clean energy projects.
On Sunday, the White House and House Republican leaders released a compromise bill to raise the debt ceiling — something they have to agree on and pass by a June 5 deadline. But Republican lawmakers had also brought energy permitting reforms into the debt discussions, with Democrats looking to speed the oversight process for clean energy and transmission projects, and the GOP looking to prioritize fossil fuels.
The compromise bill grants Democrats a study into how much more electric transmission capacity the U.S. needs to connect neighboring grids and boost power reliability. Another provision places a deadline on environmental permitting for energy projects, though some environmentalists and Democratic lawmakers are wary of the quicker timeline.
The legislation meanwhile gives Republicans — and West Virginia’s Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin — a surprising approval of the Mountain Valley Pipeline. The natural gas project would run through West Virginia and Virginia, and environmental groups have spent years fighting it.
Congress is aiming to vote today on the package, but with both Democrats and Republicans concerned their parties gave too much away, it’s unclear exactly where the measure will land.
More clean energy news
🔋 A new life for EV batteries: Many advocates say the U.S. needs a law mandating electric vehicle battery recycling, as the first wave of EVs nears retirement by the end of the decade. (Grist)
🔥 How clean is burning trash? U.S. trash incinerators market themselves as clean energy facilities as they compete for new federal incentives, even though they have massive pollution impacts. (Washington Post)
⚠️ Experts are burning out: As several states race ahead on clean energy policy, advocates and subject-matter experts are being called on more than ever, prompting concerns about “stakeholder fatigue.” (Inside Climate News)
🍳 The one-sided gas stove war: House Republicans held a hearing and advanced legislation as part of their fight to preserve gas stoves, even after the Biden administration said it has no intention of outlawing the appliances. (E&E News, Politico)
☀️ Solar power politics: A $1 billion Oklahoma solar factory is part of a wave of solar manufacturing projects announced since the passage of the federal climate package, but the industry also faces growing political uncertainty. (E&E News)
⚡ Transmission monopolies under scrutiny: Energy analysts and economists largely agree that laws limiting competition to build new interstate transmission lines harm consumers and could slow the clean energy transition. (Inside Climate News)
💧 How to regulate hydrogen: Clean energy advocates hail Colorado’s new hydrogen law as a national model because of its clear, careful parameters that favor projects where other clean fuels won’t work. (Colorado Sun)
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