Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 a win for Hispanic, other underserved communities
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Florida – The Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 is long-overdue and welcome legislation that seeks to depoliticize the building of energy projects and will help lower the 20% higher cost burden that Hispanic families pay, The National Hispanic Energy Council (NHEC) said today.
The bill, forged over a year of bipartisan work led by Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming, makes important changes to the federal energy permitting process, which has for years been a quagmire of legal challenges driven by ideology that impedes the building of critical energy projects serving all Americans. The heretofore unnecessary delays and obstacles have disproportionately impacted marginalized communities and hindered the growth of diverse energy solutions.
“Energy access is directly linked to the quality of life. Making it easier to build critical energy projects will help stabilize and lower energy prices and enhance reliable energy for all,” NHEC Chairman Julio Fuentes said. “This is particularly important for Hispanic families and small businesses that are disproportionately affected by high energy costs. Affordable, reliable energy is fundamental to economic stability and growth, and this legislation is a major step toward ensuring the link between energy, quality of life and economic growth gets stronger.”
The NHEC appreciates the balanced approach of the Energy Permitting Reform Act, which addresses the needs of both clean energy projects and traditional energy sources like oil, gas, and coal. The reality is that many communities, including those in rural areas, still rely heavily on traditional energy sources. The evolution of energy should not come at the expense of these communities’ immediate needs.
“Our Hispanic communities and other underserved populations often face higher energy costs and limited access to the benefits of a diversified energy mix,” NHEC Vice Chairman Matthew Gonzales said. “This bill addresses these disparities by streamlining the permitting process for all energy types, thereby promoting an inclusive path that ensures that rural, indigenous, BIPOC, and low-income communities are not left behind in the evolution to a cleaner energy future.”
“We thank Senators Barrasso and Manchin for their tireless work to develop a forward-looking, comprehensive bipartisan bill that will serve not only our Hispanic communities but all Americans,” Fuentes said.
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About The National Hispanic Energy Council
The National Hispanic Energy Council (NHEC) The National Hispanic Energy Council is founded on the principle of fair and equitable energy for all Americans, driven by the urgent need to reduce the 20% higher energy costs Hispanic families pay compared to the median American family. Drawing on expertise from across the economy and Hispanic community, we exist to fill a void in advocacy: a voice for energy policies that helps Hispanic families, businesses and entrepreneurs. The Council is building a bipartisan coalition of leaders of Hispanic groups across the country, and exists to educate elected officials, policy makers and the Hispanic public on what good energy policy choices look like.
Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@hbwresources.com
