Legislative Hearing on the “Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act” or the “SPEED Act”

Nick Loris, Executive Vice President of Public Policy at C3 Solutions, testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources in support of the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act. He emphasized that outdated and overly burdensome permitting processes, particularly under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), are undermining America’s ability to meet its growing energy, infrastructure, and environmental needs. Loris argued that more efficient permitting is essential for lowering costs, ensuring reliable energy, strengthening infrastructure, and advancing conservation efforts.

The testimony highlighted how the current permitting framework has devolved into “paralysis by analysis,” slowing the deployment of cleaner technologies, delaying vital infrastructure, and even impeding wildfire prevention. Loris presented evidence that NEPA reviews often stretch for years, with high litigation risk creating additional uncertainty and costs. These delays disproportionately hinder clean energy projects, forest management efforts, and critical mineral development, which in turn raises costs for businesses and consumers while threatening U.S. competitiveness and environmental goals.

Loris endorsed the SPEED Act’s reforms, which aim to streamline reviews, reduce redundancies, narrow the scope of assessments, and clarify judicial review standards. He stressed that reform would provide businesses and communities with greater certainty, save time and taxpayer money, and deliver benefits through faster deployment of energy, infrastructure, and conservation projects. Concluding, Loris tied the need for permitting reform to the broader “abundance” movement, urging Congress to seize the moment to modernize outdated processes so America can build the reliable, innovative, and environmentally responsible future it needs.