Rep. Maloy tackles what she says is the ‘most important’ issue in Congress

KEY POINTS

Federal permitting delays can result in 4% higher energy prices for rural Utah.

Lawsuits from environmental legal groups cost taxpayers millions every year.

Rep. Celeste Maloy says her FREE Act could streamline some processes.

Utah Rep. Celeste Maloy said Friday “the most important” issue facing Congress is removing federal barriers to building energy, infrastructure and mines.

Maloy convened a panel of state and national policy experts at the Utah Capitol Building to help state lawmakers and lobbyists understand the costs of federal permitting delays.

Current permitting regulations go far beyond protecting the environment, the panelists said, and instead weaken American competitiveness, threaten national security, discourage innovation and cost taxpayers.

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