US energy reform bill a ‘wishlist for the fossil industry’, say environmental groups

Critics say bill is a fossil fuel wolf in clean energy clothing' that would gut environmental protections

US senators should reject an energy-permitting reform bill being brought to committee on Wednesday by senators Joe Manchin and John Barrasso because it's a wishlist for the fossil industry" of the kind envisioned by Project 2025, environmental groups say.

Manchin, a senator from West Virginia and a former Democrat who registered as an independent in May, and Barrasso, a Republican from Wyoming, argue their bill will speed permitting of power transmission, mining and liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects. Their bill will be voted on by the Senate energy and natural resources committee, of which Manchin, a longtime proponent of the reforms, is the chair and Barrasso is the committee's top Republican.