Ahead of a crucial permitting overhaul markup in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle had good — albeit measured — things to say about the bipartisan legislation.
Some votes remain in question as senators jockey for amendments to a bill that would transform environmental reviews for energy projects. The bill also has big wins for fossil fuels, something that is giving some Democrats pause.
“There’s things on it that I find objectionable,” said Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), while declining to specify. “I think what it does overall addressing climate change is very significant. I think some Republicans will have to hold their nose. I think some Democrats will have to hold their nose. But it’s a step forward for everybody.”
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) was hoping for more changes to the bill’s judicial review section, but it’s unclear if a Republican amendment will prevail.
