Washington – A provision in a House-passed energy bill would take steps to reduce the time energy companies say they waste waiting for the government to act on permits to drill or mine for oil, gas and coal.
Interior Department officials have said they are struggling to keep up with the growing mountain of applications for permits to drill on public land.
But House members say they worry that government workers sometimes unnecessarily drag their feet as they consider applications. Under the House energy bill approved last week, the government would have to buy back leases – and pay restitution in some cases – if it delays action.
“This provision will put pressure on state and federal agencies to act expeditiously and fairly on permit requests (and) appeals,” said Charles Isom, a spokesman for Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, who proposed the measure.
Environmentalists say the provision effectively creates a new entitlement program for energy companies and pushes the government to approve permits at the expense of the environment and local communities.
They are especially concerned because failing to act on an application would be treated as a breach of contract under the bill, potentially enabling a company to be compensated for more than just the cost of the lease.
“It opens the door to a lot of mischief, I think,” said Dave Alberswerth, a public- lands expert with the Wilderness Society.
It is unclear what the Senate will do with the bill, which also lifts a ban on oil and gas drilling off much of the U.S. coast.
Florida senators may filibuster because of its offshore-drilling provisions.
