Clean energy permitting needs reform

First published in the Brunswick Beacon, 01.22.26

The United States is at a crucial point in its shift toward clean energy, yet an outdated permitting system continues to slow the very projects that could boost our economy, cut pollution and strengthen energy security. Whether it’s solar installations in the Southeast or offshore wind along the Atlantic coast, developers routinely face years, sometimes close to a decade of delays, before construction can even begin.

These setbacks aren’t caused by poor planning or a lack of public support; they stem from a regulatory structure designed for a different era, one that no longer matches the urgency of today’s climate, economic and energy challenges.

Clean energy projects reduce harmful air pollution and help communities become more resilient as extreme weather grows more frequent. Yet when approvals stretch on for years, communities lose out on jobs, local revenue and cleaner air that these projects would deliver. At the same time, the fossil‑fuel industry is often able to secure permits far more quickly.

Reforming the permitting process does not mean weakening environmental protections. A modernized approach can uphold strong environmental standards while eliminating redundant steps, improving coordination among agencies and establishing clear, predictable timelines. It must also stress the importance of adding additional transmission lines, which are essential for delivering the electricity produced from clean energy sources to homes and businesses.

The clean‑energy transition is already underway, powered by American innovation and supported by millions of families seeking healthier communities and lower energy costs. But this progress will stall unless we update the rules that determine how quickly we can build out the infrastructure.

Permitting reform isn’t ideological or partisan. It is practical. Encourage your members of Congress to support this effort. It plays a vital role in the future of our country.

Larry Widman

Leland