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The Trump administration has announced a move to speed up the permitting process for fossil fuel projects, sparking outrage among environmental groups.
In a controversial decision, the Department of the Interior (DOI) has revealed new procedural guidelines that aim to accelerate the approval of permits for oil and gas drilling, mining, and other energy-related activities on public lands. The expedited process is expected to reduce the review period from an average of 30-60 days to just 10 days.
The decision is being slammed by environmentalists who argue that it will compromise the protection of wildlife habitats, water sources, and community involvement in the permitting process. They are also concerned about potential safety risks and increased risk of oil spills.
“We’re essentially talking about forgoing environmental review or public participation or anything meaningful,” said Michael Burger, executive director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University. “The implications of that are extreme.”
In a statement, Holly Hopkins, VP of upstream policy at the American Petroleum Institute, cheered the move, stating that it is essential to ensuring access to affordable and reliable energy.
However, experts warn that the decision may not be as straightforward as it seems. The proposed changes could also lead to workforce reductions within the DOI, which has sparked concerns about the impact on oversight capabilities.
“This only result is less and less oversight,” said Burger. “How can you accomplish so much with fewer and fewer people?”
Moreover, experts suggest that the decision may not benefit companies seeking permits as they will be required to confirm in writing their intention to opt-in for the expedited process. This means that some projects may still undergo a more extensive review, potentially leading to increased costs for these companies.
“The only result is less and less oversight,” said Athan Manuel, director of the Lands Protection Program at the Sierra Club. “Companies are very cautious before they sink millions of dollars into a well or mining project.”
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-drilling-mining-permitting-process-shortened/
