As lawmakers return to D.C. to avoid yet another potential government shutdown that could begin in October, contemplating a stopgap continuing resolution that would extend spending thru mid-December, NUCA NJ hopes that attached to this CR will be important permitting reforms. Championed by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), the reforms would accelerate the federal approval of energy projects as well as authorize the completion of a natural gas pipeline in the mid-Atlantic. House leadership recently left open the possibility of connecting the two issues, which would likely give it the greatest chance of passing before the election, but the proposal also could go forward as a stand-alone bill after dust settles on November 8th. The NUCA government affairs team and its chapter will continue to lobby for all efforts to accelerate project delivery.