Senate Democrats said they will return to negotiations over a major energy and infrastructure bill, reopening talks on permitting reform after months of stalled discussions.
Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), who lead Democrats on key Senate energy and environmental committees, announced the decision in a joint statement Thursday night.
“After discussions with our colleagues, we have decided to reopen negotiations on permitting reform,” the lawmakers said.
The two senators had stepped away from talks late last year after the Trump administration moved to block five major offshore wind projects, a decision that angered Democrats and stalled bipartisan negotiations on speeding up federal approval processes for energy and infrastructure projects.
Heinrich and Whitehouse said they are returning to the table due to “recent developments” that they believe signal a potential shift in the administration’s approach.
Recent reports suggest the Trump administration may consider approving several solar energy projects. In addition, court rulings have temporarily allowed the previously blocked offshore wind projects to continue construction.
Despite the renewed negotiations, the senators warned they could again withdraw from the talks if the administration moves to restrict renewable energy development.
“Mischief will undo our willingness to resume negotiations,” they said, cautioning that further actions against renewable power could derail the discussions.
For years, lawmakers from both parties have attempted to reach agreement on reforms designed to accelerate federal permitting for energy and infrastructure projects.
Supporters say the changes are needed to reduce delays that slow construction of energy systems, while critics argue that faster approvals could weaken environmental protections.
