Manchin’s Permitting Overhaul in Limbo as Defense Bill Readied

An overhaul of the federal permitting process for energy projects is a priority for members of both parties — but how it gets done is elusive for now, Republicans and Democrats said this week.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) — who pulled his permitting bill from funding legislation in September to avoid a government shutdown — has said he wants to insert language to streamline the process into the must-pass 2023 National Defense Authorization Act before the end of the year. Lawmakers in both chambers are working on finishing up the defense policy legislation; House Armed Services Chairman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) ...