In a potential move towards rare bipartisan cooperation in Congress, U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, emphasized the importance of permitting reform for energy projects. This comes as developers from various energy sectors face similar regulatory hurdles.
Thune addressed the topic at a summit by Northwestern Energy, which serves around 65,000 customers in South Dakota and is set to merge with Black Hills Energy, forming Bright Horizon Energy Corporation. He highlighted the need for shorter federal reviews and limits on legal challenges related to energy project permits.
“As soon as they’re ready to go, we’ll put it on the floor” of the Senate for a vote, Thune stated. The political landscape around this issue has evolved as both fossil fuel and renewable energy developers encounter common obstacles, prompting bipartisan interest in reform.
In the Senate, gaining Democratic support is vital as major legislation requires 60 votes to bypass a filibuster. Thune noted that the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the Energy and Natural Resources Committee are examining potential permitting reforms.
South Dakota inches toward studying nuclear power as data center energy demands loom
Democratic committee members expressed a desire for a bipartisan bill to expedite development, reduce energy costs, and generate jobs. However, they indicated that progress depends partly on the Trump administration’s stance on renewable projects.
The administration has previously claimed offshore wind as a national security risk, tightened wind and solar tax credit requirements, and moved to retract Biden-era “Solar for All” grants. In a notable action, the Bureau of Land Management canceled the nation’s largest proposed solar project last October.
Amidst a highly polarized Congress, Thune remarked that energy permitting reform might stand as a unique opportunity for bipartisan legislation. “I’m a realist,” he said. “But I feel good about where things stand.”
Permitting Reform
With increasing energy demands, particularly from data centers, utilities like Northwestern Energy see faster permitting as a catalyst for private investment and necessary electricity generation. Thune advocates for federal legislation over variable regulatory approaches, supporting an “all of the above” energy strategy.
Introducing a “shot clock” for permitting deadlines and addressing post-permit litigation are among the proposed reforms. These measures aim to streamline the process and clarify who can legally challenge permits.
Nuclear Power
Nuclear power, especially small modular reactors, might also garner bipartisan backing. These reactors, significantly smaller than conventional plants, offer up to 550 megawatts of electricity. Thune noted their rising appeal, stating, “Nuclear is, you know, it’s kind of back in vogue, especially the smaller modular reactors.”
Northwestern Energy has invested over $800,000 in studying small modular reactors in South Dakota. The company is assessing potential sites and supporting the formation of a nonprofit to educate the public, referred to as the “South Dakota Nuclear Collective” in state filings.
Original Story at southdakotasearchlight.com