Speaker Mike Johnson is no stranger to intraparty conflict, but the latest revolt brewing within his ranks is over an issue not typically at the epicenter of Republican discord: energy permitting. Johnson is pushing for a House vote next week on legislation spearheaded by Natural Resources Chair Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) designed to expedite the production and delivery of domestic energy, a move aligning with President Donald Trump's ambition for U.S. energy supremacy.

However, the bill's inclusive approach to both fossil fuels and renewable energy sources has ignited a firestorm among conservatives. They argue that the federal permitting process should be streamlined exclusively for fossil fuels and are incensed that Westerman's proposal, which received bipartisan support in committee, also facilitates green energy projects.

The critical procedural rule vote, necessary to bring the bill to the floor, is now in jeopardy as conservative dissent threatens to undermine the required majority. "We’re assessing whether [the legislation] sufficiently deregulates oil, gas, and nuclear without overly promoting wind and solar," commented Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), a member of the House Rules Committee.

This internal opposition forced Johnson to postpone the bill's consideration from this week to next, hoping to quell the unrest. Yet, hard-liners like Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris (R-Md.) and Reps. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) and Chris Smith (R-N.J.) are intensifying their resistance. They recently penned a letter to Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, cautioning that the bill could revive blocked offshore wind projects and diminish the administration's ability to halt such developments.

Despite these challenges, GOP leadership remains resolved to advance the bill, with aides actively seeking solutions to placate the dissenters. “We are working through it,” stated Westerman, emphasizing ongoing dialogues and a commitment to comprehensive permitting reform.

What else we’re watching:

— House moves on health care: Talks among moderate Republicans and leadership are underway about potentially integrating an amendment to extend expiring Obamacare subsidies into a forthcoming health care package.

— Focus on health care polling: The Republican Study Committee is set to host a briefing on health care polling, hoping to gauge public sentiment on key issues ahead of legislative debates.

As Speaker Johnson gears up for another week of negotiations and strategic maneuvering, the energy permitting bill stands as a testament to the complex dynamics at play within the Republican Party, reflecting broader national debates over the future of U.S. energy policy.