Reader's View: Permitting reform needed for clean energy

Global warming — made worse by our use of coal, oil, and natural gas — has disrupted the normal patterns of air and moisture flows around the Earth. Some regions have become hotter and drier while others experience more rain and stronger storms. Another effect is the relocation of the polar vortex. Recent cold weather and snowstorms, especially in eastern and southeastern states, are examples of what happens when the polar vortex moves south from its normal location.

To help put the brakes on global warming, we need to burn less fossil fuels and build more clean-energy power plants, such as for wind and solar energy. The sooner we do this, the better — and to do this, we need to reform the approval process for these developments.

Permitting reform has support in Congress from many Republicans and Democrats. Though some support it to allow more coal and natural-gas power plants, the vast majority of new development would be for clean energy because of its lower cost. Last year, 89% of new power plants were for solar or wind.

Permitting reform would reduce the outdated and burdensome aspects of the approval process. Email your representative and senators in Congress, or call their offices through their switchboard at 202-224-3121. Ask that they work for reasonable permitting reform to provide us with more clean energy.

Gary Jump

Itasca, Illinois

The writer is a volunteer for the nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy organization Citizens’ Climate Lobby .