Recently, CRES Forum hosted a panel discussion at the U.S. Capitol featuring several House and Senate communications staffers through their Cool Conservative Communications Collaborating on Climate Change (C6WC) program.
The event drew strong policy and communications engagement from all corners of Washington D.C.— including from industry leaders and U.S. House and Senate Committee staff. Moderated by CRES Forum’s Vice President of Communications Mary Collins Howell, the program included questions regarding permitting reform progress in the House and Senate, and how to communicate in-the-weeds policy questions to constituents.
Whitney Folluo, Director of Media Relations and Communications at CRES Forum, provided opening remarks and talked about the role CRES Forum plays in Washington, offering the organization as a helping hand to hill staffers and industry alike.
The panelists included:
- Eli Mansour, Deputy Communications Director, House Committee on Natural Resources
- Ashley McManus, Vice President, Lot Sixteen
- Ryan McManus, Director of Government Affairs, CRES Forum
- Mary Collins Howell, Vice President of Communications, CRES Forum [Moderator]
Panelists discussed the importance of permitting reform and how critical it is to maintaining America’s competitive status when it comes to national defense and security. Several panelists noted the long review timelines under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and highlighted how reforming the current system could modernize the nation’s infrastructure. They also cited legislation like the Clean Water Act and ePermit Act, and topics including critical mineral production.
Throughout the program, speakers underscored the importance of lasting, comprehensive permitting reform to advance responsible infrastructure and energy development. With a staggering number of projects still awaiting approval, panelists stressed that clearer permitting processes, judicial certainty and reliable timelines are critical to unlocking innovation and capital across the country.
Attendees also asked about the bipartisan nature of permitting legislation and if that was common in years past. All panelists chimed in and stated while working on the Hill, downtown and in trade associations, interest in modernizing permitting reform is strong, with ever-growing bipartisan support.
As Congress works to tackle tough issues like permitting reform, CRES Forum remains committed to advancing policies that empower the nation to lead through modernization, while developing our infrastructure through responsible energy solutions.