"As we work in Congress to unleash domestic energy and mineral production and build the critical infrastructure America needs to maintain its global leadership position, one thing has become exceedingly clear: our permitting process is broken. Unfortunately, federal permitting has turned into a blunt tool used by radical litigants to block projects. Through commonsense reforms, we can strategically cut red tape and make it possible to build in the United States again. With the bipartisan SPEED Act, we can ensure America meets its growing energy needs, revitalizes its crumbling infrastructure, wins the AI race, and keeps our citizens safe and secure while upholding the world's highest environmental standards and responsibly managing our natural resources."

What They are Saying

Organizations from across Arkansas have voiced their support for the legislation that will create certainty in the permitting process and spur domestic investment in critical infrastructure, energy, and conservation projects. Here is what state leaders are saying:

“The Association of Arkansas Counties and our member country judges respectfully urge swift passage of the SPEED Act. It reflects a commonsense, bipartisan approach to modernizing NEPA and empowering communities to meet the infrastructure needs of the 21st century. We stand ready to work with you and your staff to ensure this important legislation becomes law.” – Chris Villines, executive director, Association of Arkansas Counties

“The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas, Inc., commend our fellow Arkansan, Chairman Bruce Westerman, and Congressman Jared Golden for advancing this important bipartisan agreement The SPEED Act represents a critical step toward much-needed permitting reform and offers a lasting solution. We strongly support comprehensive permitting reform that enhances transparency, reduces delays, and drives economic growth.” – Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas, Inc.

"I am writing on behalf of the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) to express our support for the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act. Modernizing environmental review for covered construction projects will produce multiple beneficial outcomes. By streamlining the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and reducing delays from permitting requirements and litigation, the SPEED Act will bring down project costs and delays." – Jared D. Wiley, director, Arkansas State Highway Commission

“I am completely in support of the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act that was introduced by Congressman Bruce Westerman and Congressman Jared golden. The NEPA process is a tremendous economic burden and very cumbersome. Any refinement would be a great benefit.”  - Bill Barnes, president, Tri-Pennant Family of Lake Resorts