Renewable Energy & Environmental Protection is Not an Either/Or

In the ongoing battle against climate change, the imperative to fortify our clean energy infrastructure is undeniably urgent. However, as we confront the complex challenges of rapidly expanding renewable energy, a simplistic narrative has emerged, pinning the blame on environmental laws, notably the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Let's delve deeper into the intricacies of this issue and explore comprehensive solutions.

The Clean Energy Imperative: A Balancing Act

The urgency of climate goals is underscored by the pressing need to substantially increase renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. While progress has been made, the pace falls short of the ambitious targets. The bottleneck extends beyond project approval to encompass the outdated and inadequate electric grid, posing a significant hurdle to the necessary expansion. A staggering 2,050 gigawatts of projects, predominantly renewables, are currently in limbo, surpassing the total capacity of existing US power plants.

NEPA: A Misguided Culprit or a Regulatory Safeguard?

Critics often point fingers at NEPA, portraying it as the primary culprit behind delays in clean energy projects. However, a meticulous examination of data, exemplified by Professor David Adelman's extensive study covering the period from 2010 to 2021, dispels this notion. Adelman's findings reveal that only a minuscule percentage of projects necessitated comprehensive environmental impact assessments under NEPA. Streamlined processes, already embedded in environmental statutes, are the norm, with legal challenges being a rare occurrence.

Unearthing the Data: NEPA in Perspective

Contrary to popular belief, studies conducted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and other institutions emphasize that NEPA does not significantly contribute to delays. Approximately 95% of NEPA decisions qualify for categorical exclusions, involving minimal environmental review. Moreover, GAO and the Congressional Research Service (CRS) argue that NEPA plays a pivotal role in fostering interagency coordination, thereby promoting efficient project execution.

NEPA's Value in Public Discourse: Beyond Anecdotes

Despite overwhelming evidence supporting NEPA's efficacy, critics persist in using anecdotal stories to undermine its importance. The Center for American Progress (CAP) emphasizes that evaluating NEPA's worth should consider its role in facilitating public discourse, rather than relying on isolated project failures as a metric. Unfortunately, this criticism has fueled legislative attacks seeking to curtail the reach of environmental laws.

True Solutions Beyond NEPA: Addressing the Root Causes

If not NEPA, what is impeding clean energy permitting, and how can we address it? Various studies, including those by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), highlight specific issues with the infrastructure approval system:

1. Address Local Concerns: Opposition often emanates from local communities. Effective communication between developers, regulators, and impacted residents is imperative to garner support.

2. Boost Agency Resources: Chronic understaffing leads to delays in processing permit applications. Adequate resources are essential for timely responses and efficient operations.

3. Smart Planning: Adopt a "smart from the start" approach, addressing environmental impacts early in the planning phase to avoid delays in later stages.

4. Federal Authority Balancing Interests: Striking a balance between local autonomy and national needs is crucial, especially in multi-state projects.

In conclusion, the urgency of the climate crisis demands pragmatic solutions, not misguided attacks on NEPA. By addressing the real challenges in our clean energy buildout, we can achieve meaningful progress and create a sustainable future. The road ahead involves nuanced strategies that balance local concerns with national imperatives, ensuring a harmonious transition to a cleaner, greener energy landscape.