Debt ceiling deal sparks controversy over pipeline approval.

The new debt ceiling deal between President Biden and House Republicans includes provisions to expedite permitting for the controversial Mountain Valley Pipeline, a project championed by West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin. The pipeline has faced opposition from environmentalists due to its numerous environmental violations and court battles. The deal also proposes streamlining the National Environmental Policy Act and studying the country's grid capacity, but excludes measures to speed up major electric transmission projects crucial to Biden's goal of transitioning away from fossil fuels. Climate activists have criticized Biden for supporting the pipeline and other oil projects, while environmental groups have called for Congress to reject the deal.