Whitehouse voices new optimism on permitting

A Supreme Court ruling limiting NEPA’s scope and Trump administration actions have already eased reviews. That means Republicans are looking to explore changes to other laws, noted Devin Hartman, director of Energy and Environmental Policy at the R Street Institute.

“I think the conservative leadership in White House and Congress is trying to get a sense of what is left on NEPA in light of the recent court decision in particular,” Hartman said. “The conversations I’ve had would suggest they are quite optimistic that further executive action would accomplish a lot.”