U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01), a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, voted against H.R. 1900, a controversial energy bill that sets rigid deadlines for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other federal agencies to consider certifications or permits for the construction or expansion of natural gas pipelines.
"Limiting the time FERC and other agencies have to approve or deny all natural gas pipeline permit applications, regardless of the project's complexity, could result in serious public health and safety consequences, as well as rushed environmental reviews, which increases the risk of more polluted air, water, and communities," said Hanabusa. "Under H.R. 1900, if a federal agency does not approve or deny a permit within the required time period, the permit is deemed to be approved 30 days later. The measure would also result in unnecessary permit denials, negatively affecting businesses that are forced to appeal the decisions or reapply for certification.
"FERC already makes decisions on more than 90% of permit applications within 12 months, so this bill is unnecessary and seeks to solve a problem that does not exist. Let's focus on real solutions to securing our nation's energy future."
H.R. 1900 passed by a vote of 252-165 and now heads to the Senate.