Nwest Iowa, Daryl Haack

To The REVIEW:

Both U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst have a long track record of supporting common-sense policies that strengthen Iowa’s rural and agricultural communities, particularly when it comes to developing our state’s abundant energy resources.

That is why I am hopeful they will help lead the effort in Congress to pass bipartisan permitting reform at the federal level.

Investments in energy and infrastructure development are critically important for Iowa’s farmers and agricultural communities. However, our nation’s overly bureaucratic, inefficient permitting process can often lead to lengthy delays that waste these investments. The delays created by all the government red tape in our permitting process can add years and years to project timelines while also increasing costs to the point that a given project may not even be financially viable anymore. This, in turn, scares away investors and prevents any potential benefits from reaching our communities.

Sens. Grassley and Ernst should continue their good work representing Iowa’s rural communities by championing bipartisan permitting reform. To encourage energy development and economic growth, the entire permitting process must be simplified and streamlined to minimize government interference and waste. Doing so will help move critical projects forward faster, creating local jobs, supporting Iowa businesses and industries, and strengthening our entire economy.

Permitting reform at the national level is long overdue. Hopefully, our senators can help lead the way on this issue and score another win for Iowans — particularly in our rural and agricultural communities.

Daryl Haack,

Primghar