The Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 overhauls how the federal government approves energy and mining projects, aiming to speed up permitting while expanding both fossil fuel and renewable energy development. It sets firm deadlines for federal agencies to act on permits and leases for oil, gas, coal, geothermal, and renewable energy projects, requires the Interior Department to hold regular offshore oil and gas and offshore wind lease sales through 2029, and streamlines environmental reviews through expanded use of categorical exclusions for low-impact activities. The bill also imposes a 150-day statute of limitations for legal challenges to permits, creates new rules for interregional electric transmission planning and cost-sharing, and requires FERC to act quickly on liquefied natural gas export applications. Additional provisions address hardrock mining mill sites, tribal rights-of-way, hydropower license extensions, and staffing flexibility at FERC and the Bonneville Power Administration. The legislation affects energy developers, federal land managers, tribes, utilities, and environmental groups, with most new rules and reports due within 180 days to two years of enactment, reflecting a bipartisan effort led by Senators Manchin and Barrasso to accelerate both traditional and clean energy infrastructure buildout.
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