Central Louisiana News

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) has addressed the issue of permitting reform in Congress in an op-ed published in The Washington Times. In his article, Dr. Cassidy highlighted the challenges posed by the current permitting process in the U.S. and the impact it has on energy, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure projects.

"Our country has a permitting problem. Whether building a liquefied natural gas export facility in Louisiana, repaving interstate highways, or establishing a new site for a manufacturing plant relocating from China, permitting can delay and even prevent projects from starting up — sometimes after millions are invested in planning and preparation," Dr. Cassidy emphasized.

Dr. Cassidy pointed out that regulations initially designed to protect the environment have been weaponized to impede progress. He highlighted the need for legislative solutions that balance environmental preservation with project advancement, stressing the importance of returning to the original intent of these laws.

To tackle these challenges, Dr. Cassidy introduced legislation to modernize permitting under the Clean Air Act. Working alongside Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), the Modernizing Clean Air Permitting Act aims to update permitting processes without compromising public health or environmental standards. The proposed legislation seeks to incentivize businesses to implement pollution control technology efficiently.

Additionally, Dr. Cassidy addressed the issue of judicial review and its potential for abuse in delaying projects. He introduced the REPAIR Act to streamline the judicial review process for energy, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure projects. The act ensures a standardized review process for permitting laws and establishes a mediation process to address legal challenges promptly.

Dr. Cassidy emphasized the importance of getting the permitting process right to facilitate progress, create jobs, and ensure environmental protection. He highlighted that bipartisan efforts are necessary to overcome permitting hurdles that hinder investments and economic growth in the U.S.

As the nation focuses on expanding its industrial base and boosting infrastructure investments, Dr. Cassidy urges a reevaluation of the permitting and regulatory framework to support sustainable development and job creation.

Both Democrats and Republicans agree that addressing permitting challenges is essential to prevent unnecessary delays and ensure that projects contributing to environmental goals can move forward efficiently.