Lawmakers have been working for nearly two years to come up with such an agreement, which would speed up the process through which energy and other infrastructure projects are approved.
But Schumer expressed doubt that it would actually get done this year.
“I’m happy to listen, but I’ve told Joe Manchin it’s going to be virtually impossible to get something done,” Schumer said, referring to the Democratic senator from West Virginia who is retiring at the end of this Congress.
Lawmakers have long been at an impasse on permitting reform.
Democrats have sought to expand the power grid as part of an effort to boost renewable energy, while Republicans have been more focused on speeding up all types of infrastructure projects — and especially bolstering fossil fuels.
Republicans have raised concerns about some of the electricity reforms, sometimes called transmission, that their Democratic colleagues have sought.
Schumer cited that GOP opposition, saying he did not think Congress will be able to pass the power reforms.
Read more in a full report at TheHill.com.
