Capito Leads Colleagues in Introducing Comprehensive Regulatory and Permitting Reform Legislation

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led 46 of her Republican colleagues in introducing the Simplify Timelines and Assure Regulatory Transparency (START) Act, comprehensive federal regulatory permitting and project review reform legislation.

"Since our calls for action and offers to see legislative text from the permitting "deal' remain unheeded, Republicans are introducing this legislation today to deliver solutions to the roadblocks, delays, and postponements of key infrastructure projects across the country," Ranking Member Capito said. "The START Act would provide regulatory certainty to states, expedite permitting and review processes, codify substantive environmental regulatory reforms, and expedite permitting of the critically important Mountain Valley Pipeline. Republicans are unified in working to deliver needed permitting reform, and this legislation is a blueprint for how we can help communities benefit from being able to finally get critical projects across the finish line."

BACKGROUND:

More than one month ago, Ranking Member Capito called on Democrats to release text, work together, and enact strong permitting legislation before proceeding forward with their reckless tax-and-spending spree.

After no text was released and no Republican input taken, Ranking Member Capito filed an amendment during debate of the reconciliation bill that would have enacted strong permitting reforms to burdensome regulations currently delaying key energy and infrastructure projects across the country. The amendment failed by a vote of 50-49, with all 50 Senate Democrats voting against it.

Source