Webinar Key Takeaways: The Security Case for Permitting Reform
SAFE’s Center for Grid Security convened military and policy experts as they explored the critical steps the U.S. can take to address its broken permitting process and the importance of accomplishing reform before the end of this Congress. The panelists included:
As the United States faces growing energy demands, the importance of modernizing and expanding our nation’s energy infrastructure cannot be overstated. Permitting reform, often considered a technical and bureaucratic issue, is increasingly recognized as a matter of national security. This topic is particularly urgent for the U.S. military, whose readiness and operational capacity are closely tied to the resilience of the national grid.
On December 12, 2024, SAFE’s Center for Grid Security hosted a critical discussion on permitting reform, with experts shedding light on how upgrading our permitting process can bolster grid reliability, enhance military readiness, and secure America’s energy future.
The heart of the permitting reform challenge lies in its complexity. As Adam Goldstein pointed out, "Permitting reform speaks to one of our critical deficiencies in getting things done." While this issue has long been recognized as an obstacle to infrastructure development, what is now coming into sharper focus is its direct connection to national security. Permitting reform isn't just about streamlining approval for power lines; it also involves facilitating access to critical minerals and materials essential for the technologies that underpin both civilian and military energy needs.
Christina Hayes, an expert in grid infrastructure, emphasized the aging nature of America’s energy transmission network. “Most transmission lines were built several decades ago,” she noted. Winter Storm Uri in 2021 vividly illustrated the consequences of an outdated grid. During the storm, Texas’s isolated ERCOT grid could only import less than 1 GW of power from neighboring regions, while PJM—an interregional grid—was capable of moving several gigawatts of power across state lines. As Hayes explained, “Generation is important, but making sure we have the transmission to get it there is equally critical.” A robust transmission network not only prevents catastrophic outages but also lowers costs for consumers and enhances national security by ensuring the military has the power it needs during crises.
Permitting reform is vital for achieving this kind of grid modernization. One key element of proposed reforms, as Hayes highlighted, is interregional planning. This approach ensures that projects are pursued only if their benefits exceed their costs, making the system both efficient and cost-effective. Such changes would not only support energy resilience but also help stabilize electricity prices at critical facilities, such as Fort Cavazos, which incurred a staggering $40,000 electric bill during February 2021—equivalent to its typical energy costs for an entire year.
The urgency of acting now was underscored by former North Carolina legislator John Szoka of the Conservative Energy Network, who warned against delays. "Demand is not slowing down," Szoka said, "and we have to accommodate this growing demand. If we don’t, we’re going to be in a time problem." He argued that waiting for a "perfect" bill is counterproductive, adding, “A good solution today is better than a perfect solution two years from now.” Szoka also pointed out that legislative action today would give policymakers a head start in addressing inevitable challenges, helping refine policy over time while advancing the grid’s security in the short term.
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Permitting reform is also a matter of military necessity. Ninety percent of U.S. military bases rely on the commercial power grid, and the Department of Defense consumes 4% of America’s electricity. Admiral Howard (Ret.), another panelist, highlighted the grave consequences of grid disruptions for military readiness: “When there are power outages, there are demonstrable impacts on military activities and community members. More transmission and regional interconnections help prevent outages during crises and keep our bases online.” The U.S. Navy sounded the alarm over a decade ago, calling the modernization of the grid a “national security imperative.” Yet, progress has been glacial, leaving military installations vulnerable to the cascading effects of power outages.
Beyond the military, the U.S.’s reliance on foreign-controlled supply chains for critical minerals is another pressing security concern. “China owns 90% of the processing for minerals around the world,” Admiral Howard (Ret.) stated. This dependency poses risks not only to America’s clean energy ambitions but also to its ability to maintain an independent and secure defense sector. Permitting reform can play a pivotal role in bolstering domestic mining and processing, reducing the country’s vulnerability to geopolitical pressures.
One legislative proposal that promises to unlock these opportunities is the Energy Permitting Reform Act (EPRA). Goldstein called EPRA the “starting kit” for reform, while Hayes praised its provisions, which include reducing bureaucratic hurdles and ensuring that costs and benefits are equitably distributed. Szoka pointed out that the bill’s focus on efficiency could reduce costs for consumers nationwide. Although no legislation is perfect, EPRA is a pragmatic first step toward achieving the larger goal of energy security and resilience.
Critics of permitting reform sometimes suggest that existing infrastructure could simply be upgraded or reconductored, avoiding the need for sweeping legislative changes. While Hayes acknowledged that this approach could help in the short term, she cautioned that it is not a substitute for long-term planning. “We have to keep an eye on how much we need to increase production in the long run,” she said. Admiral Howard (Ret.) agreed, adding that EPRA addresses the structural changes needed for a lasting solution, rather than relying solely on stopgap measures.
The stakes for permitting reform could not be higher. As Admiral Howard (Ret.) aptly put it, “How can we win a world war in four years, but it takes 11 years to get a transmission line up?” Energy infrastructure is the backbone of national security, economic stability, and technological advancement. The current permitting process, with its delays and inefficiencies, is simply incompatible with the urgent demands of our time. Reforming it now will help ensure a more secure and resilient grid for the future.
Ultimately, permitting reform is not just a bureaucratic fix—it is a strategic investment in America’s future. A modernized grid will lower costs for consumers, support the clean energy transition, and fortify our military against threats ranging from natural disasters to cyberattacks. As demand for electricity continues to grow, policymakers must act swiftly to pass legislation like EPRA, laying the groundwork for a safer, stronger, and more secure America.