The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is attempting to cut the red tape thwarting the progress of infrastructure projects as the Trump administration continues to restrict the flow of federal funds to the states.
"Democrats cannot agree to any permitting reform unless and until the Trump administration ends its lawless disregard for congressional authority and judicial orders," said Ranking Member Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse.
"Billions in obligated funds remain frozen behind a fog bank of silent executive contumacy in blatant disregard of constitutional separation of powers, direct court orders and basic principles of law."
The comments came during a committee hearing on Wednesday aimed at tackling permitting jams related to offshore wind farms, nuclear plants, and the housing shortage. Congress places some of the blame on themselves.
"In the absence of congressional action, certain parties have found creative ways to use the judicial process to delay, remand, or strike down projects and raise costs to discourage projects sponsors from moving forward," said Committee Chair Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.
Bond-supported infrastructure projects spurred to life by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act are now in jeopardy as the Trump administration pivots away from clean energy sources.
"Since the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act, offshore wind has been a tremendous contributor of jobs for LIUNA members between the harbor and port build-outs, to the installation of turbines themselves all along our nation's coastlines," said Brent Booker, general president, Laborers' International Union of North America
"The administration's halt on offshore lease sales has upended the wind production market and has led to projects completely withdrawing their construction plans, costing laborers their jobs."
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"When I have the opportunity to talk to lieutenant governors and governors that are saying, 'Look, we need more housing in our state,' I encourage them to look at the policies and procedures that local and state governments have in regard to housing," said Carl Harris, chairman of the board, National Association of Home Builders.
The NAHB noted they would like to see more Community Development Block Grants and other federal dollars flowing to municipalities to prime the housing pump.
A lack of expertise at the regulating agencies is also playing a role, an issue that could grow worse as the current administration focuses on downsizing.
"One of the main challenges that we heard from developers, from agencies from across the spectrum was the lack of knowledgeable staff available at the agencies and at field offices," said Nicole Pavia, director, Clean Energy Infrastructure Deployment, Clean Air Task Force.
"We talked to a developer who said that if they couldn't get catch one person in particular at a field office, that would add months to their permanent timeline."
