1. United States
2. Minn.
3. Letter

The proposed Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 aims to accelerate and streamline the permitting process for energy projects, including oil, gas, renewable energy, mining, and electric transmission projects. While it contains provisions intended to promote renewable energy development, the language suggests prioritizing fossil fuel extraction and infrastructure over climate action. Given my values of rejecting offensive ideologies like racism, protecting the environment, and prioritizing people over profits, I cannot support this bill as drafted. It risks enabling further environmental degradation, perpetuating our dependence on polluting energy sources, and harming marginalized communities disproportionately impacted by the effects of fossil fuels and climate change. I would urge substantial revisions to center climate solutions, strengthen environmental protections, respect indigenous rights, and safeguard public health over industry interests before considering support for such legislation.