When it comes to proposals to build large-scale energy projects, whether it’s a new electric transmission line, a mining complex, or an interstate oil or gas pipeline, the permitting process can be a delicate balancing act. Nearly everyone understands that appropriate social and environmental safeguards are essential. At the same time, the permitting process can’t be so cumbersome that it takes a decade or more to build that transmission line, complete that mine, or get a pipeline into operation. There’s a general understanding that the permitting process needs to be improved but, as the title of today’s blog implies, it’s a whole lot easier said than done. In today’s RBN blog, we preview our latest Drill Down Report on the major themes around permitting reform and examine the factors that could help — or hinder — further efforts.
Attention around the need for permitting reform at the federal level has been building for the last couple of years, but until recently there has been relatively little to show for it. The highest-profile effort in recent years was headlined by Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat from West Virginia. As part of his agreement to support passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in August 2022, Manchin secured a commitment from Democratic leadership to hold a vote on a follow-up bill that would speed the permitting process for energy infrastructure, including addressing hang-ups relating to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; see Figure 1 below) and the long-delayed Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) project. However, the bill died in late 2022 after it gained only 47 votes in the Senate, including just seven Republicans, who typically favor permitting reform but were upset at Manchin’s support for the IRA.
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About the song
“Easier Said Than Done” was written by William Linton and Larry Huff and appears as the first song on side one of The Essex’s debut album of the same name. Released in May 1963 as the B-side of their first single with “Are You Going My Way” as the A-side, DJs started playing “Easier Said Than Done” as their preferred cut, sending it to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Rhythm & Blues Singles charts. It has been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. All members of The Essex were active in the United States Marine Corps. Songwriter Linton said the song’s rhythm was inspired by the teletype machines in the communications office at Camp LeJeune, where they were all stationed at the time. Personnel on the record were: Anita Humes (lead vocals), Walter Vickers (guitar, backing vocals), Rudolph Johnson (guitar, backing vocals), Rodney Taylor (drums), and Billy Hill (backing vocals).
The album, Easier Said Than Done, was released on Morris Levy’s Roulette Records in June 1963 and went to #113 on the Billboard chart. Two singles were released from the LP.
The Essex were an American rhythm and blues vocal group formed at Camp LeJeune, NC, in 1963. They released three studio albums, one compilation album, and six singles before breaking up in 1966. Being active Marines made it hard for the band to make live appearances with any frequency during the height of their popularity. After disbanding, lead vocalist Anita Humes released several solo singles on Roulette Records with no chart success. She died in May 2010 at the age of 69.
