The bill includes some other small steps aimed at getting energy projects of all types approved more quickly by modifying federal permitting policies under the National Environmental Policy Act.
But opponents of the pipeline argue that completion was far from certain as several court cases are pending.
A provision in the debt deal could deem those challenges moot, and would block any future lawsuits.
The agreement would order federal agencies to approve any outstanding permits for the pipeline within 21 days and exempt those permits from judicial review.
“This is an unprecedented end run around the courts, which have repeatedly rejected permits over M.V.P.’s failure to comply with basic environmental laws,” said Ben Jealous, executive director of the Sierra Club, which has challenged several permits related to the pipeline.
Persons:
”, Ben Jealous
Organizations:
National Environmental, White, Pipeline, U.S ., Appeals, Fourth Circuit, District of Columbia Circuit, Sierra Club
Locations:
Richmond, M.V.P