Leadership Agreement on Permitting Modernization
The current moment is pivotal, as we face critical challenges such as energy security, the global AI race, and economic competitiveness. In this context, it's essential that we join forces to build the future faster, smarter, and together.
The urgent need for streamlined permitting is reflected in the proposed principles, aiming to address delays, reduce costs, and enable timely construction of critical infrastructure. This call for action is echoed by the House Republican Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who has expressed a desire for permitting reform this fall.
Congress is urged to enact durable, comprehensive reform that applies across sectors and withstands political shifts. Key congressional committees, including the House Natural Resources Committee, are conducting hearings aimed at restoring efficiency and predictability, especially in environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has noted growing Democratic interest in permitting reform, acknowledging that delays are affecting both conventional and renewable energy projects that have bipartisan support. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), the top Democrat on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, expressed hope that the post-reconciliation legislative period will bring serious bipartisan efforts on permitting.
Energy industry trade associations, including groups represented in the Chamber's Permit America to Build initiative, have urged Congress to act swiftly on reform. The Chamber's Permit America to Build initiative calls for a comprehensive permitting reform package guided by four principles: predictability, efficiency, transparency, and stakeholder input.
Recent legislative proposals discussed in these talks emphasize expedited permitting reviews, improvements to judicial review processes, compensation mechanisms to de-risk large energy infrastructure investments, and enhanced transparency and stakeholder engagement throughout permitting.
While the so-called "One Big Beautiful Bill" reconciliation act included energy provisions, it ultimately excluded many of the House’s original permitting reform proposals. However, lawmakers now seem intent on bipartisan negotiations that integrate the core principles of the Chamber’s Permit America to Build initiative.
In summary, bipartisan permitting reform is actively under consideration in Congress with hearings and industry advocacy pushing the issue. Although no final legislation has passed yet, the environment is conducive to bipartisan agreements aligned with the principles advocated by the Chamber’s initiative. Continued committee work and legislative proposals in the coming months will likely focus on overcoming procedural hurdles and balancing environmental review with infrastructure development needs.
The author, Chad S. Whiteman, is the Vice President for Environment and Regulatory Affairs at the Global Energy Institute. He emphasizes the need for a comprehensive permitting reform package, working with other Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to craft solutions that deliver results for businesses, communities, and the environment.
The permitting process in America is currently broken and is hindering businesses, infrastructure, energy, and broadband expansion projects. Bipartisan interest in reform is growing, with lawmakers recognizing that permitting delays hurt all sectors. The author invites readers to join efforts to address this critical issue and build a brighter, more efficient future together.
This article falls under the topics of Economy, Energy, Environment and Sustainability, Infrastructure, and Transportation.
[1] Source: Roll Call, "Permitting reform back in play in Congress", July 2025. [2] Source: Oil & Gas Journal, "Eight trade groups urge Westerman to act on permitting reform", July 2025. [3] Source: Politico, "Thune: Dems warming to permitting reform", July 2025. [4] Source: The Hill, "Heinrich sees bipartisan permitting reform push after reconciliation", July 2025. [5] Source: E&E News, "Permitting reform back in play in Congress amid infrastructure push", July 2025.
- The Chamber of Commerce is advocating for comprehensive permitting reform to bolster business competitiveness and economic growth.
- Infrastructure development, including energy and renewable projects, suffers delays due to the current permitting process, hindering the economy and commerce.
- Amid growing bipartisan interest, Congress is conducting hearings to address inefficiencies in environmental reviews under NEPA, aiming for predictability, efficiency, transparency, and stakeholder input.
- Senators, such as John Thune and Martin Heinrich, are expressing hope for serious bipartisan efforts on the issue, with Sen. Heinrich seeing the post-reconciliation period as an opportunity for action.
- Energy industry trade associations, including those part of the Chamber's Permit America to Build initiative, have voiced their support for swift reform, with proposals focusing on expedited reviews, judicial process improvements, de-risking mechanisms, and increased transparency.
- With ongoing committee work, legislative proposals, and industry advocacy, bipartisan permitting reform is poised for progress, improving the environment and setting the stage for a more competitive American industry in the broader context of global economic growth.
