Mountain State Times

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, representing West Virginia and serving as Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, led a hearing focused on reforming federal environmental review and permitting processes. The hearing aimed to modernize these processes while maintaining environmental standards.

Chairman Capito expressed her commitment to addressing these challenges in a bipartisan manner. She emphasized the importance of stakeholder input by keeping the hearing record open until March 21, allowing for broader participation.

During her opening statement, Capito highlighted the economic impact of current permitting delays on projects related to energy, infrastructure, and industry. She noted that such delays have resulted in increased costs for American families and businesses, hindering long-term investments and stifling renewable energy projects.

Capito acknowledged that existing frameworks are based on landmark laws like NEPA, the Clean Water Act, and others but pointed out that years of regulatory changes have created a complex web of requirements. She criticized the lack of congressional action in providing necessary clarifications or modernization.

The senator cited specific examples from West Virginia where projects faced significant delays due to federal permitting processes. These included the Mountain Valley Pipeline and highway priorities like Corridor H and Coalfields Expressway.

Capito stressed the need for bipartisan legislation that provides clarity and transparency while ensuring efficiency without compromising public health or environmental protections. She expressed her willingness to collaborate with colleagues across committees to develop meaningful reforms.

Capito concluded by expressing hope for consensus on key issues through witness testimonies during the hearing, aiming to deliver real solutions for Americans affected by current inefficiencies in permitting processes.