Volts

Sen. Brian Schatz wants permitting reform, but not like this

32 snips
Dec 31, 2025
Senator Brian Schatz, a prominent advocate for climate action from Hawaii, dives into the current energy policy landscape and the Democrats' messaging shift toward affordability. He critiques efforts on permitting reform, especially the SPEED Act, arguing it undermines critical environmental protections. Schatz discusses the importance of local community involvement in climate politics and emphasizes the need for equitable funding. He envisions harnessing data centers to support local clean energy initiatives, all while advocating for a clearer Democratic pitch on energy affordability.
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ANECDOTE

Hawaii's Historic-Review Backlog

  • Hawaii's historic-preservation practices created an unmanageable backlog for reviewers.
  • Schatz recounts the state's automatic 50-year historic trigger that multiplied review volume and clogged permitting.
INSIGHT

Shot Clocks Can Backfire

  • Shot clocks without resources produce rushed 'no' decisions late in the timeline.
  • Schatz warns timelines alone can incentivize denials on the eve of automatic approvals.
INSIGHT

Data Centers Missed Clean-Energy Chance

  • Data centers misread politics and underinvested in clean supply before the IRA rollback.
  • Schatz says they missed an opportunity to secure clean power and now face local backlash over electricity impacts.
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