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Karen Bennett Speaks with E&E News About Federal Mining Permit Reform Proposal

Washington, D.C. (August 30, 2022) – Washington D.C. Partner Karen C. Bennett was recently quoted in an E&E News Greenwire article about a new federal mining permitting reform proposal making its way through Congress. The article, titled “Manchin permitting deal offers mixed bag for mining,” outlines Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Joe Manchin’s proposal, which would speed up the permitting process for private mining companies.

Under Manchin's proposal, there would be one- to two-year mandatory timelines for completing environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act and a requirement that the President prioritize projects of “strategic national importance.” The proposal would also set a one-year deadline for issuing permits related to Clean Water Act compliance, and a statute of limitations for legal challenges against permits.  

Ms. Bennett, who has represented mining companies and other parties affected by federal permitting decisions, told E&E News that changes to water permitting and a statute of limitations would be beneficial for mining projects, but that these companies should temper their expectations. “It would be misleading if we suggested that this is going to open up a lot of mines,” she said.    

Ms. Bennett is co-chair of Lewis Brisbois' Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Practice, its Environment, Land, & Natural Resources Law Practice, its Administrative Law & Regulatory Practice, and its Government Relations Group. She works with clients to resolve regulatory issues, focusing primarily on permitting, compliance, litigation, and legislative policy.   

Read the full article here (subscription may be required). 

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