New Modeling Shows Manchin-Barrasso Bill a Rare Bipartisan Victory for Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Energy Independence, and Reliability

WASHINGTON—Today, Third Way released a new paper analyzing the impact of the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 (EPRA) on greenhouse gas emissions, showing a significant decrease in emissions alongside an increase in domestic production, should the bill pass. Introduced by Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Senator John Barrasso (R-WY),—and voted out of committee in a strong 15-4 bipartisan vote—the bill will help speed permitting for new energy projects, expand electric transmission, and improve electric reliability, facilitating both clean energy deployment and oil and natural gas production.

Using modeling from industry-leading analysts, Third Way examined a range of possible outcomes for the US’s energy mix under EPRA. Taken as a whole, the analysis finds that EPRA results in net emissions reductions, in both low and high-range scenarios. Even under a 'worst-case' emissions scenario—in which the highest projections for fossil fuel-related net emissions increases are paired with the lowest projections for transmission deployment—Third Way’s analysis shows that EPRA will reduce net greenhouse gas emissions, advancing the fight to combat climate change while ensuring continued reliability in the energy sector.

“This analysis proves that EPRA is a historic opportunity for domestic energy production and for our climate,” said Josh Freed, Senior Vice President for Third Way’s Climate and Energy Program. “Getting this bill passed will require compromise and bipartisan collaboration, and not every person will agree with every provision included. But this work proves that EPRA is an excellent starting point for the urgent work of expanding transmission, increasing energy production, and maintaining access to affordable energy for every American.”

To read our paper Quantifying the Emissions Impacts of The Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, please click here.

About Third Way’s Climate & Energy Program

Third Way’s Climate & Energy Program designs and advocates for policies that will drive innovation and deployment of clean energy technologies, and deliver the emissions cuts we need to win the fight against climate change. The more low-carbon options we have to work with, the better our chances of success. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a large and growing community promoting evidence-based solutions to the climate challenge that include advanced nuclear and carbon capture technology, as well as renewables, hydropower, existing nuclear, energy storage, and efficiency. For more information, please visit here for more information.