Permitting Talks Will Resume With Caveats, Democrats Say (1)

Official bipartisan talks aimed at overhauling federal permitting will resume, Senate Democrats said Thursday evening.

“After discussions with our colleagues, we have decided to reopen negotiations on permitting reform, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) said in a joint statement. “We are hopeful that recent developments are indicative of a positive direction from the Trump administration.”

Whitehouse, the ranking member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, earlier Thursday told reporters talks were “likely” to restart soon if the Trump administration stops targeting renewable energy projects. He said Thursday afternoon that he is talking with EPW Chairman ...