Shannon Van Hoesen, shannon.vanhoesen@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC - Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources is considering legislation proposed by Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) called the “Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act,” or the SPEED Act. This bill will undermine the National Environmental Policy Act, a bedrock environmental law, in order to rush through infrastructure projects without adequate review or safeguards.
Sierra Club and over 100 environmental and community groups sent a letter to Congress urging Members to oppose the legislation. The letter states:
“The urgency many feel to accelerate this buildout [of better transportation systems, more affordable housing, semiconductor fabrication facilities, transmission lines, renewable energy, and more] is well founded, but the SPEED Act takes exactly the wrong approach.
“We cannot simply deregulate our way to a smarter, more efficient permitting system. Stripping away safeguards does not create better processes or stronger projects. It only invites more mistakes, conflict, and harmful development. Real progress comes from resourcing agencies, improving coordination, and giving communities a voice in the process so projects can move forward quickly and durably. We urge the committee to focus on these real solutions rather than false shortcuts.”
In response, Sierra Club Beyond Fossil Fuels Policy Director Mahyar Sorour issued the following statement:
“Americans would greatly benefit from harnessing the country’s ample clean, renewable energy resources to lower costs and provide a more reliable and resilient grid. The SPEED Act would move us in the wrong direction, allowing developers to prioritize profit without consideration of community or environmental harm. We can move quickly to build out our clean energy future without undermining our clean air and water, healthy communities, and our collective prosperity. We urge Members of the Committee to vote no on this harmful legislation.”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.