Jack Stevens: Fast-Track for All

Generally, Democrats prefer development of clean, renewable energy while Republicans favor fossil fuels.

We consider both views to be shortsighted. Energy demand in the US is rising so precipitously that we should be pursuing a policy that is pro-development no matter the power source.

We applaud Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s announcement on April 23 that his department will boldly and dramatically be shrinking timelines for the completion of environmental assessments for energy projects that now take about a year to only 14 days. He wants projects requiring a full environmental impact statement, which is usually a two-year process, to be reviewed in less than a month.

The disappointing part is that projects eligible for this fast-tracking would be limited to those tied to hydrocarbons and natural gas, including coal, plus critical minerals, and uranium. Clean energy projects would be excluded, except for hydropower, biofuels, and geothermal.

We fail to see the logic in this. What is the difference between 100 megawatts of electricity generated from natural gas versus 100 megawatts produced from a solar array or a wind farm? It’s still 100 megawatts of power.

Our experience is that most tribes, if given a choice and the wherewithal, would opt for clean energy. Why shouldn’t they share the benefits of Secretary Burgum’s expedited timelines, too?

Excluding clean power is a trend that has taken a firm hold of late. In reaction to the policies of President Trump, US firms have already abandoned plans to build nearly $8 billion worth of clean energy projects during the last three months. For the year so far, canceled investments in clean-tech manufacturing grossly outweigh new investments.

We believe this is a mistake. Owing to the proliferation of data centers, greater use of AI, increased production of electric vehicles, and the electrification of space heating, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts that energy demand will rise to 4,201 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) this year and 4,244 billion kWh in 2026, from a record 4,097 billion kWh in 2024. We simply need more electricity, regardless of how it is generated.

And fast-tracking is a blessing that should be offered universally. Of course, this assumes that the fast-tracking is not illusory, that the secretary will employ a full complement of skilled specialists to conduct the required environmental assessments during his proposed shortened review periods. Otherwise, the process will be challenged in the courts, adding to delay, and trip up the whole purpose of fast-tracking.