Defenders’ Statement on Reckless Energy Permitting Proposal in Senate

Defenders of Wildlife opposes the latest attempt to shortchange our nation's landmark environmental laws and allow oil, gas and other extractive industries to harm wildlife and habitats with less oversight and less public input. The proposal is scheduled for mark up today by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

"Fossil fuel interests are pressing hard for unfettered access to drill and destroy, and it's disappointing to see these interests elevated above those of the American people and the ecosystems and wildlife we depend on," said Desiree Sorenson-Groves, vice president of land and habitat conservation at Defenders of Wildlife. "Environmental conservation laws like NEPA and the Endangered Species Act provide commonsense guardrails to ensure coexistence across all interests. This bill severely undermines that crucial balance."

Introduced by Sen. Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 would limit the Bureau of Land Management's authority to protect public lands, waters and other resources, and give more control to oil and gas companies and states over leasing and drilling. The bill also makes it harder for communities and citizens to challenge projects that might threaten their well-being and environmental health.

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