The U.S. House of Representatives is positioned to consider the AGC-supported Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act, which would reform the permitting and judicial review process of projects under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). SPEED passed committee last month and is now poised to pass the full House of Representatives.
As previously reported, the bill streamlines NEPA by reestablishing it as a procedural statute, codifying the Supreme Court’s Seven Counties decision into law. If enacted, the bill would affirm AGC’s permitting reform priority of establishing a 150-day statute of limitations for filing a legal challenge of a NEPA permitting decision. Additionally, the bill would codify another AGC priority into law by restricting third-parties from filing lawsuits against a decision, curtailing frivolous sue-and-settle lawsuits that seek to delay or cancel construction projects altogether.
Project delays caused by prolonged NEPA reviews, permitting, and litigation increase costs and harm the construction workforce by delaying job creation, disrupting hiring, and reducing economic activity. The delays increase labor and material costs, forcing contractors to reprice projects and potentially leading to cost overruns. When projects stall, construction firms delay hiring or lay off workers, creating uncertainty for skilled tradespeople and harming local economies. Delayed infrastructure projects slow down economic growth, particularly in regions where construction drives local economies. According to industry studies, every $1 billion spent on infrastructure supports roughly 13,000 direct and indirect jobs across various sectors. Further, late-stage NEPA lawsuits halt projects that have already undergone years of environmental review.
AGC of America supports the bill and issued a letter of support earlier this Fall and a “key vote” letter the week of December 15th in favor of its passage. Additionally, in February 2025, AGC of America General Counsel Leah Pilconis testified before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on the necessity of permitting reform and called for Congress to enact the reforms that are included within the bill. AGC hopes to see the bill pass before the full House and be taken up for consideration by the Senate.
For more information, please contact John Chambers.