AFP Applauds House Effort to Let America Build Again

It’s no secret the U.S. needs an energy revolution to meet the growing demand for electricity and energy. The development of new technologies and continued electrification of basic commodities is increasing the need for affordable and reliable generation. Fortunately, members of the House of Representatives advanced two bills that will address the cumbersome and expensive federal permitting process; the PERMIT Act and the SPEED Act. These bills have the potential to clear the way for the nation to build and meet the moment.   

The SPEED Act establishes consistent timelines under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to ensure responsiveness, stops unnecessary reviews, simplifies the documents required, and lessens burdens on agencies and developers alike. It also clarifies the NEPA trigger by defining the requirements for a major Federal action and places reasonable judicial limitations on NEPA reviews.  

The PERMIT Act will end the politically motivated weaponization of Section 401 of the Clean Waters Act, requires the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator to consider the cost and availability of water treatment technologies to meet quality standards, authorizes the Administrator to issue general permits nationally, and clarifies exemptions to the definition of “navigable waters.” It also requires the reduction of the backlog of Clean Water Act permit applications.  

The reforming of the federal permitting process is key to unlocking energy abundance in the U.S. These reforms reflect an understanding that America cannot build and upgrade its energy grid when key projects are forced to drift through years of duplicative reviews, conflicting requirements, and unclear regulatory triggers. By creating clearer expectations and setting reliable timelines, Congress is taking meaningful steps to allow both traditional and emerging energy sources to come online faster—without compromising environmental stewardship. In essence, they’re creating an environment that is more welcoming to private enterprise and entrepreneurs as America seeks to build for the next generation.   

Ultimately, an efficient permitting system isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about removing unnecessary roadblocks that prevent communities from accessing the affordable, dependable energy they deserve. The SPEED Act and PERMIT Act move the country closer to a future where innovators can innovate, builders can build, and consumers can benefit from greater energy reliability and lower costs. Embracing these reforms is essential if the U.S. wants to remain an energy leader and meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.