Ahead of its hearing, Opportunities for Congress to Reform the Process for Permitting Electric Transmission Lines, Pipelines, and Energy Production on Federal Lands, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources received a transmittal letter from The Western Governors’ Association that outlined the Governors’ bipartisan policy on planning, permitting, and siting energy generating assets, transmission, and pipeline infrastructure. The letter of July 31, 2023, signed by WGA Executive Director Jack Waldorf, specifically calls on the Committee to reform the environmental review process for energy projects. “Current permitting processes governing land management activities and infrastructure development can negatively affect the pace and scale of critically important projects,” the letter read. “A clear, consistent, focused, and effective environmental review process is essential to protect environmental resources, ensure public participation, and facilitate timely decision-making in the design, financing, and execution of critical infrastructure projects.” Read the full transmittal for additional information.