Energy Permitting Reform Act would allow more clean energy to bolster US electricity grid [letter]

One of the best ways to reduce carbon dioxide pollution, lower consumer costs and promote energy independence is to change the way permits are issued for new electricity projects. A permit has to be approved for any large solar array, wind turbine project or fossil fuel plant.

Last year in the United States, solar power added 43 gigawatts — more than half of new electricity-generating capacity in the country. It’s enough to power 32 million U.S. homes. The vast majority of projects now awaiting permits are for clean energy, but the process is taking years too long.

The Energy Permitting Reform Act is before Congress right now. The Rocky Mountain Institute estimates that, if approved, it could reduce U.S. grid emissions by about 6.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide through 2050.

Reform must include local voices in permitting decisions and ensure that approved projects can actually be built, regardless of who is in the White House. The grid needs upgrades and expansions to manage increased electrical power. There’s no time to waste.

Most members of Congress seem to favor permitting reform. True, some want it so that more fossil fuel plants can be built. But expedited permitting would also put multiple gigawatts of clean, solar-powered electricity online.

Why can’t we get it done? U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick need to act now and not let Congress kick the can down the road yet again. By adopting clean energy and bolstering our electrical grid, the United States won’t fall behind the rest of the world.

Daniel Erdman

Lancaster city