Washington, D.C. – Tonight the Senate once again defeated Senator Joe Manchin’s so-called ‘permitting reform’ plan, this time presented as an amendment to the pending National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). 

The legislative package would have fast-tracked fossil fuel projects, particularly the Mountain Valley Pipeline.

In response, Food & Water Watch Policy Director Jim Walsh released the following statement:

“Thankfully, Senator Manchin’s shameless dirty energy package has been defeated once again. Hundreds of climate, clean energy and environmental groups joined together to stop the Senate from delivering a sneaky win for corporate polluters.

“It’s time for Senator Schumer to realize that fast-tracking a dirty backroom deal on behalf of the fossil fuel industry is a political loser and a climate disaster. Instead of looking to rush through favors for corporate polluters, lawmakers should turn their attention to real solutions that promote clean energy and protect our climate future.”