Senate Democrats dismiss Trump's wind turbine rejection
Key negotiators argue that written assurances and the text of the permitting bill outweigh the president's off-the-record remarks.
By Ayanda Boateng ·
President Trump's Monday declaration that he would not approve new wind turbines did not deter Senate Democrats on Tuesday. Key negotiators on the energy bill stated they would proceed with the legislation despite the president's public stance.
The bipartisan permitting reform bill cleared a critical procedural hurdle in the Senate on Monday. The measure is designed to streamline the approval process for all energy sources, including fossil fuels and renewables. Trump made his comments to reporters just minutes before the Senate began voting on the motion.
The president argued that the legislation had not been fully negotiated. He described wind turbines as a major loser and said he would not approve them.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island addressed the discrepancy on Tuesday. He told reporters that the administration would likely honor its previous commitments. Whitehouse attributed the president's stance to his age, noting that they chalk it up to him being 80. He expressed confidence that federal agencies would continue to follow the representations they have already made.
Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico offered a similar perspective. He pointed out that the White House was simultaneously issuing new wind projects. Heinrich stated that governance should not rely on off-the-cuff remarks. He described current discussions with the administration as constructive and noted that good progress is being made on releasing wind projects.
Heinrich emphasized the need for efficiency to demonstrate success to the American people. He recalled that under the previous administration, projects took four years to complete. He argued that a two-decade timeline is too long for infrastructure development.
The White House pointed to its formal statement of support for the permitting reform bill when asked about specific assurances given to Democrats. The statement asserts that the bill allows industry to build today with confidence that permits will remain valid tomorrow. It also mandates that the government issue permits swiftly and without bias against any form of technology.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum addressed the wind issue at an event hosted by The Daily Caller. He stated that many provisions in the bill apply equally across different energy types. Burgum said the negotiations were effectively over and that the bill would treat projects equally if it becomes law. He advised those concerned about wind energy to read the bill, noting that this is an administration that follows the law.
