"A new group aims to spend up to $10 million to sway Congress to loosen federal rules for both fossil fuel projects and green power. A major element: putting "the right pressure" on vulnerable Senate Democrats."
"Republican operatives are launching a multimillion-dollar campaign to pressure swing-state lawmakers to make it easier to build energy projects such as pipelines and power lines — with a special focus on squeezing vulnerable Senate Democrats.
Leaders of the new effort include allies of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence, two potential GOP contenders in next year’s presidential race, as well as a former top aide to Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia.
The push could speed federal approvals for energy initiatives that members of both parties champion — including renewable energy projects such as solar farms that are vital for President Joe Biden’s climate agenda. But it could alienate some parts of Biden’s environmentalist base by clearing the way for mines, pipelines and other fossil-fuel projects that green activists oppose.
The effort underscores the importance that Republicans and their corporate allies have placed on using their narrow House majority to fast-track energy projects — even as leading members of the party wage vocal fights on issues such as Chinese surveillance and investigations into Biden’s family. But to pass the Senate, they will need support from Democrats, including those facing tough reelection fights in 2024."
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