Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, led a hearing in Washington, D.C., to address federal environmental review and permitting processes. The session focused on crafting legislation for efficient timelines under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and addressing legal challenges.

Chairman Capito emphasized the need for bipartisan efforts to improve these processes. "Both Republican and Democrat administrations over the last couple decades have recognized the need to address the environmental review process," she stated, urging Congress to develop a joint bill.

Industry leaders agreed on the necessity of reform. Jeremy Harrell from ClearPath, Leah Pilconis from The Associated General Contractors of America, Carl Harris from the National Association of Home Builders, Brent Booker from Laborers' International Union of North America, and Nicole Pavia from Clean Air Task Force all concurred with Chairman Capito's call for legislative action.

The hearing highlighted issues with lengthy federal processes that delay projects. Chairman Capito noted that current laws can extend project timelines by years or even decades. Leah Pilconis pointed out that such delays create uncertainty in construction, affecting workforce stability and increasing costs. Carl Harris added that rising permitting costs significantly impact housing affordability.

Judicial reviews were also discussed as they often lead to costly litigation that can halt projects entirely, as seen with West Virginia's Atlantic Coast Pipeline.

Capito expressed optimism about reaching consensus: "I think we have a lot of commonality here...we should think big." She committed to working towards effective solutions.

The hearing record will remain open until March 21 for public comments via email at permitting@epw.senate.gov or through the committee's website.