A report published by Politico and highlighted by Raw Story states that ongoing disputes over renewable energy policy within the Trump administration are threatening bipartisan negotiations on permitting reform in Congress.

Permitting reform, which aims to streamline approvals for energy, infrastructure, and construction projects, has attracted support from both Republicans and Democrats as lawmakers seek ways to accelerate development and modernize regulations.

However, Democratic lawmakers argue that the administration’s approach to renewable energy projects, especially wind power, is undermining trust needed for a bipartisan agreement.

Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said the administration has slowed or stalled approvals for solar, wind, and battery projects while continuing to move fossil fuel projects forward.Heinrich described this imbalance as the biggest obstacle to reaching a deal.

According to the report, negotiations were already disrupted in December after the administration blocked several East Coast wind farm projects, causing Democrats on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to pause talks.

Despite those tensions, Republican lawmakers continue to push for reform measures that would simplify permitting processes for a wide range of projects, including energy transmission, infrastructure, and commercial construction.

Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa said lawmakers see an opportunity to address long-standing difficulties in building major projects across the country.

The report also notes that some Republican committee leaders, including Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Mike Lee, remain engaged in discussions with Democrats.While bipartisan interest in reform still exists, disagreements over renewable energy permitting continue to complicate negotiations.