Dangerous US Legislation Would Fast-Track Fossil Fuel Projects and Strip Public Protections
WASHINGTON, May 14, 2025—Today, US House Republicans advanced a sweeping and dangerous bill that would accelerate fossil fuel development, gut critical climate and renewable energy programs, and threaten the foundations of civil society and public participation.
Steven Feit, Senior Attorney and Legal and Research Manager at the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), issues the following statement:
“The proposed US House bill is a massive giveaway to the fossil fuel industry — one that prioritizes corporate polluters over people, communities, and the climate. It would establish a fast-tracking scheme for fossil gas, petroleum, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide pipelines, allowing polluters to pay for guaranteed federal permits within one year — even if the permitting agencies have not finished their review. It would also allow developers of LNG terminals to pay directly for a declaration that their project is in the public interest, a key requirement under the Natural Gas Act. Amidst staff cuts across federal agencies and growing clarity around the risks of fossil infrastructure projects, these provisions make it unmistakably clear that Congressional Republicans are in lockstep with the administration in attempting to create a situation in which fossil fuel projects can move forward with minimal government oversight and little to no protection for communities.
“Even more concerning, the bill attempts to strip communities of their right to challenge these projects. Under this proposal, only those who suffer direct economic harm could bring legal challenges to expedited pipeline permits. That means if a pipeline is rubber-stamped after a hollowed-out federal agency cannot review it in time, frontline communities could be barred from contesting it in court — even if the project threatens their health, safety, water, or land.
“The proposed legislation would also dismantle nearly all of the energy provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act — slashing tax credits and grants for renewable energy, electric vehicles, energy efficiency, advanced manufacturing, and more. The major subsidy left intact is that for carbon capture and storage, a false solution, which includes payouts even when the carbon dioxide is used to drill for more oil.
“The bill’s overreach doesn’t stop at energy policy. It includes a chilling provision that would allow the administration to strip nonprofits of their tax-exempt status by claiming they are aiding and abetting terrorism, without evidence. This is a blatant attempt to intimidate and silence civil society and weaponize government power against political and ideological opponents.
“This bill is not just a policy failure — it is a blatant violation of Congress’s duty to protect the public. It prioritizes fossil fuel profits over people’s lives, dismantles climate progress, and attacks the legal and civic foundations of our democracy.”
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