The House of Representatives advanced significant changes to the federal environmental review process on Thursday, despite some last-minute modifications causing clean energy groups and moderate Democrats to withdraw support.
The Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act, or SPEED Act, faced opposition from environmentalists and many Democrats due to its extensive changes to a crucial environmental law. The bill, introduced by Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and supported by Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), passed the House with a 221-196 vote, with 11 Democrats backing the reform. It moves to the Senate, where it faces mixed support.
The legislation aims to modify foundational environmental regulations that dictate how major projects are evaluated and approved, focusing on amending the 1970 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA mandates federal agencies to review and disclose environmental impacts before approving projects. Critics argue that NEPA has led to delays threatening project feasibility, including energy and infrastructure developments.
Rep. Westerman emphasized that the SPEED Act aims to restore “common sense and accountability” to federal permitting. He acknowledged NEPA’s original purpose but criticized its current state as synonymous with “red tape and waste.”
Democratic cosponsor Golden praised the bill’s passage, stating it could make essential services more affordable by facilitating production. According to an issue brief from the Bipartisan Policy Center, the bill proposes several key reforms, such as creating exemptions for NEPA reviews and reducing the statute of limitations for lawsuits against federal agencies.
NEPA critics argue it has been used to delay projects. Proponents of the SPEED Act see it as crucial for reducing these delays and advancing projects, especially those focused on fossil fuels. Clean energy proponents have also advocated for reform, citing negative impacts on projects like offshore wind and renewable energy transmission lines.
Unlikely Alliances on the SPEED Act
While environmental groups have used NEPA to oppose fossil fuel projects such as the Keystone XL pipeline, some clean energy sectors also support reform to address delays in climate-friendly projects. The American Petroleum Institute launched a campaign pushing for permitting reform, and initially, clean power sector voices supported the SPEED Act. However, recent changes intended to secure Republican support weakened the cross-sector backing.
The Trump administration’s efforts to revoke permits for renewable projects have been a concern. A bipartisan amendment sought to mitigate these efforts but faced resistance from Republicans favoring Trump’s agenda.
Controversial Amendments Favor Fossil Fuels
Amendments by Republicans in the Rules Committee allow the Trump administration to continue efforts against renewable projects, undermining the bill’s technology-neutral intent. Critics argue this benefits fossil fuels while disadvantaging clean energy initiatives.
The American Clean Power Association and the American Council on Renewable Energy, which initially supported the bill, withdrew their backing after these changes. Advocacy group Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions acknowledged the bill’s reforms but expressed concern over recent amendments jeopardizing project certainty.
Debate Moves to the Senate
Some critics, including Rep. Mike Levin (D-Calif.), argue the bill fails to protect clean energy projects from administrative cancellations. The Department of Interior’s policy requiring high-level approval for wind and solar projects further complicates the clean energy landscape.
Opponents of the SPEED Act dispute claims that NEPA reviews are the main cause of delays, citing reports that highlight resource constraints as significant factors. The Senate will now consider the SPEED Act, which may undergo further modifications to ensure a balanced approach to permitting reform.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org