Sen. Ricketts Advocates for Bipartisan Permitting Reform

At the inaugural American Chemistry Council (ACC) Summit, Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska) expressed his belief in a shared interest across party lines for permitting reform. He participated in a discussion led by ACC President and CEO Chris Jahn, where they highlighted the urgent need for reform in this area.

Ricketts mentioned a dialogue with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), who expressed frustration over the previous administration halting a wind energy project off the Rhode Island coast. The senator noted that many Democrats have encountered challenges with permits related to the Keystone XL pipeline due to political motivations. He suggested that both Republicans and Democrats should collaborate to simplify the permitting process for energy infrastructure development in the United States.

There are ongoing discussions about renewing federal permits for laws like the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Clean Water Act. However, lawmakers still need to refine the scope of the reforms they are willing to endorse. While Democrats appear receptive to making changes, environmental lobby allies seem cautious about compromising too much for a bipartisan deal.

Ricketts acknowledged the need for regulation but criticized the current state of “regulatory mismanagement,” describing it as a “wet blanket” on economic growth. He pointed out that the U.S. benefits from a transparent and well-funded market due to effective regulations.

The senator emphasized that businesses crave “certainty,” noting that the Big Beautiful Act has made the research and development tax credit permanent, which he sees as a significant advantage for the economy.

In a light-hearted moment, Ricketts remarked on the absurdity of some regulations from the Biden administration, such as the restriction on formaldehyde levels being lower than those produced by humans.

Addressing broader concerns, Ricketts identified China as the “greatest existential threat to our country.” He argued that the U.S. relies too heavily on Chinese animal feed and maintained that supply chains should not depend on China any longer. He also criticized the Biden administration, claiming it was taking extreme stances, including proposals to eliminate internal combustion engines.

Ultimately, Ricketts urged that the U.S. needs to “get out of its own way” and resist what he termed socialist Democrats in their efforts against “communist China.”