The permission predicament

Welcome to the Strawman, the newsletter that's a fly on the wall of all the secret big meetings going on behind closed doors in the climate world. There’s a problem though - we can’t keep anything to ourselves.

Today, we’re diving into the world of energy projects and the permitting process that’s like going for a swim in a pool of custard — slow and sticky.

Mission permissible

Imagine if every time you wanted to go for a jog, you had to fill out a form, get it approved by a committee, and wait for a stamp of approval. You'd be lucky to run once a month!

That's what it's like for energy developers trying to get their projects off the ground. The permitting process exists to protect the environment and ensure public safety - the National Environment Policy Act was signed into US law in 1970, and requires federal agencies to assess the environmental impacts of any proposed actions and to consider alternatives before making decisions. Little did they know, they were opening Pandora's box of bureaucracy.

Today, even the most patient and diligent developers find themselves lost in a maze of confusion - meaning big projects take longer, cost more, and are done less often than in the past.

Unlikely allies - Big Oil finds some friends

Now, here's where things get interesting.

In a twist straight out of a romcom, Big Oil and the renewables industry have realized that they share a common enemy: the snail-paced permitting process.

Together, they're lobbying Congress to overhaul the system and cut through the red tape that's holding back both clean and dirty energy development. Talk about a match made in... well, let's just say it's an unlikely pairing. They might not be planning a double wedding anytime soon, but they're definitely united in their cause.

It's a relationship that has raised more than a few eyebrows, but desperate times call for strange bedfellows as they say 🤷 

Striking a Balance: The Complex Path to a Middle Ground

Like any good rom-com, there's plenty of drama.

Finding the sweet spot between environmental protection and streamlined energy development is a tricky balancing act. Some environmentalists argue that rolling back regulations—even just a smidge—would give Big Oil a free pass to wreak havoc on the planet.

On the other hand, renewables developers say that without permitting reform, the clean energy revolution might never see the light of day. It's a delicate dance, and the stakes are high.

If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, hit us up and let us know - we’d love to hear your feedback.

See ya next time,

The Strawman