When we were discussing the Inflation Reduction Act (sic), I mentioned that Senator Joe Manchin was arranging a major energy regulatory change to the act. One that would effectively speed up the approval process for energy related projects across the USA. Something that would annoy many of the NIMBY (Not in My Back Yard) and anti-fossil fuel contingents. Even though these same provisions are also critical for America to truly build a new electric grid- one capable of handling alternative energy with aplomb.
These provisions were detailed in a 91 page document that the Senator produced (and for which he obtained agreement from his party’s leadership). In particular, a two year time frame for reviews under the NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) would be imposed by these regulations. Plus, changes to the Clean Water Act, attenuating the ability of states and tribes to object to the siting of pipelines would be instituted. In particular, some 25 energy projects (chosen by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [FERC]) would be placed on the fast track for approval.
For this bill to have passed, a simple majority would have been required in the House, with 60 ayes in the Senate. Interestingly, these provisions are by and large the same ones for which the GOP has been clamoring for years. (For example, Senator John Barasso (R, WY) and Rob Portman (R, OH) proposed a similar bill in the past. Streamlined permitting, in their view, will lower fuel prices, tame inflation, and enhance national security. But, Manchin’s bill is more fluid, letting the requirements for a new electric grid be handled as part of this law. After all, our existing energy infrastructure is predicated upon fossil fuel sources, not alternative energy, where the power is generated further away from the primary usage- and must allow two way transmission of electricity. )
But, now- either because the GOP doesn’t want the Democratic Party to develop another win before the mid-term elections- or because it will definitely promote alternative energy (and address climate change)- that 60 vote (needing 10 GOP senators to agree) threshold seemed to be insurmountable (The GOP is also angry that Senator Manchin is supporting separate legislation for climate change. Which is why Joe called this petty response “revenge politics. He further stated that “[t]his type of politics is something I can’t accept. This is the type of politics that makes me sick and makes the American public sick.” [RAA: I agree!])
The problem is that some 70 members of the Democratic contingent in the House are against these provisions- which means should the bill not pass now, it may never pass the House. Not surprisingly, the GOP turned this compromise measure down- despite raging inflation and the Russian invasion of Ukraine threatening the world’s energy security.
As such, the stopgap funding bill was stripped of this provision. And, it passed 72 to 23. (Of course, this really isn’t a full budget bill- it just keeps the government open until 16 December 2022.)
The issue really is that the Inflation Reduction Act envisions advances in solar and wind power generated energy, along with electric vehicle adoption. But, without the provisions of the Manchin proposal, new transmission lines won’t be easily built, and coal/natural gas energy usage will be greatly enhanced.
That’s because FERC only has authority over interstate gas pipelines and not electrical transmission lines that traverse multiple states. The Manchin proposal affords FERC the ability to allocate transmission line costs to regions based upon the proportional benefits- should the sponsor request said analysis.
Dr. Jesse Jenkins (Princeton, NJ) and his Rapid Energy Policy Evaluation and Analysis Toolkit (REPEAT) has determined if we continue our transmission line efforts of the past decade (not quite 1% annual growth), there will be more coal and natural gas consumption in 10 years than if the Inflation Reduction Act (sic) had not passed. (This is due to the need to support electric vehicle and electric heat pumps incorporated in the bill.) But, with the Manchin provisions, we could effect at least a 2.3% augmentation of new electric transmission lines and grids, which would remove some 800 million fewer tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
Senator Manchin has promised that he will continue to try and get this 91 page proposal enacted into law. After all, the bill should alleviate any American reliance on foreign energy sources, lower energy costs, and help develop a rigorous electric grid that can support alternative energy sources.
We must hope he succeeds- to support our best alternative future.
I saw the Manchin interview on Fox News Sunday last Sunday, which focused on the bill (yes, I sometimes watch that program; it can get interesting) and was quite impressed with how Manchin was presenting the bill and arguing for it. He made the very point to the Republicans of “well, isn’t that what you wanted?” Yes, well, politics. It’s sad.
Glad you got to hear the arguments directly from Senator Manchin, Alana.
We definately need something to work for our alternative future.
We certainly need to find a way to profit (as in get more benefit) from alternative energy- and that requires a much upgraded electric grid system, Martha.