House Republicans Remove Controversial Pipeline Permitting Provisions from Budget Bill

House Republicans removed controversial provisions from their party-line budget reconciliation bill that would have expedited permitting for pipelines by allowing developers to pay fees for accelerated federal environmental reviews. This followed opposition from various groups and state laws, such as South Dakota's eminent domain ban for carbon dioxide pipelines, which challenge federal authority over pipeline siting and land access. President Trump urged Republicans to restore these pipeline permit provisions, including a measure granting the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authority over cross-border pipeline permits in exchange for a fee. Activists and environmental groups welcomed the removal of these provisions but continue to oppose other elements in the bill, such as a federal tax credit for carbon sequestration and fast-track review mechanisms. The proposed $9 billion Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline, which requires eminent domain approval, remains stalled in South Dakota due to the state's legal restrictions and regulatory rejections. The reconciliation package is still subject to further changes before a House floor vote.