Dispelling the Myths of Permitting Reform and Identifying Effective Pathways Forward
Four myths are distorting the national debate over permit reform. First, it is misconceived as a singular issue, with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) at its center. Second, reformers assume that federal reviews and permitting cause most project delays and failures. Third, there is a widespread belief that environmental laws are routinely weaponized against new infrastructure through obstructive litigation. Fourth, critics assert that environmental procedures and standards must be sacrificed to enable timely climate action.
New Orleans City v. Aspect Energy, L.L.C.
The Fifth Circuit affirmed a district court's denial of a motion to remand to state court a lawsuit concerning oil and gas production in New Orleans. The city of New Orleans sued several pipeline operators and a natural gas utility in state court, arguing they violated Louisiana's State and Local Co...