OPINION:
America’s rural communities are the backbone of our nation’s economy, embodying the values of hard work and self-reliance that define our country. These areas are home to the significant natural resources needed to strengthen our nation’s interests — in terms of economics, national security and competitiveness — but investments in rural areas too often do not come to fruition.
One of the largest root causes of this phenomenon can be attributed to our federal permitting system, a dated and bureaucratic approval process in desperate need of updating. While “permitting reform” may sound to some like a technical, “inside the Beltway” discussion, it could revitalize rural America, unlocking new potential and economic promise.
Thankfully, Congressional interest in permitting reform is at an all-time high. Two legislators on the House Natural Resources Committee have a bipartisan answer which could not come at a more critical time. Chairman Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., and Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, who both represent rural areas of their states, recently introduced the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act.
The bill attempts to clarify congressional intent of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a law that requires federal agencies to review and disclose the environmental impacts of their proposed actions and to involve the public in the decision-making process. While NEPA is fundamental to maintaining environmental integrity, it’s been distorted and bloated over decades, making the law an impediment to domestic progress. According to Chairman Westerman, the SPEED Act will “cut red tape and enable the United States to build once again while setting the standard for environmental stewardship,” something all Americans can get behind.
NEPA was signed into law by President Richard Nixon in 1970, which was at a time of environmental awakening (the EPA was established later that same year). A well-intentioned law met years of regulatory and judicial creep, turning it into a monster of red tape and project delays. The SPEED Act untangles 50 years of such modifications to clarify when environmental reviews are necessary, focus scope on direct effects, foster more participation in the review process and place reasonable limits on judicial proceedings to curb frivolous litigation.
The legislation unequivocally benefits every region of the country. However, because President Donald Trump and the Republican-led Congress seek to maximize U.S. resources to achieve energy dominance, rural America has much to gain from this commonsense bill.
In addition to critical minerals, natural gas, and geothermal resources, wind farms and solar arrays are also found in rural communities, all of which bring a treasure trove of economic benefits such as tax revenue for state and local jurisdictions as well as high-paying jobs. Permitting reform equals more investment, which is precisely what rural America needs.
Modernizing permitting systems also offer more certainty for investors. Today’s long delays and over-budget projects due to government red tape jeopardize private investment and risk that investment going elsewhere. To truly support economic development in communities across the nation and to unlock our nation’s energy potential — Congress should take swift action to enact comprehensive permitting reform. That means passage of the SPEED Act, combined with other reforms currently under consideration.
Permitting reform means that rural communities across the nation will reap the benefits of new investments and opportunities to expand existing projects. Regulatory certainty will encourage economic development and generate revenue for further improvements in local infrastructure and community services. Revitalizing the way the nation facilitates its permitting process will make building faster and more cost effective, all while promoting all forms of energy production. It’s a win for rural America, which is a win for us all.
• Heather Reams is president and CEO of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions.
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