House Passes SPEED Act to Modernize NEPA and Streamline Permitting
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act last week, legislation aimed at modernizing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and streamlining federal permitting processes. Supporters say the bill would reduce unnecessary delays while maintaining environmental protections, particularly for working lands and conservation projects.
The SPEED Act was sponsored by House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman of Arkansas and Representative Jared Golden of Maine. The bipartisan legislation focuses on improving efficiency within NEPA reviews, which have grown increasingly complex and time-consuming since the law’s original passage more than 50 years ago.
Livestock organizations have long advocated for updates to NEPA, noting that current permitting processes can slow or even prevent producers from implementing conservation practices. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) have been actively engaged in efforts to modernize NEPA so ranchers can more quickly complete projects that protect rangeland health.
Many livestock producers rely on NEPA permits to conduct routine improvements such as water developments, fencing, vegetation management, and other conservation-focused activities. Delays in permitting often result in higher costs and missed opportunities to address land management challenges in a timely manner.
NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources and PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover emphasized the importance of the legislation for producers who depend on federal grazing permits.
“Many livestock producers rely on federal permitting under NEPA to make range improvements and carry out other voluntary conservation work to maintain working lands and prevent degradation. Unfortunately, outdated NEPA processes have made permitting for livestock grazing much more difficult and costly, which limits the amount of conservation work that can be done and leaves working lands in much worse condition. This legislation speeds up federal permitting by reducing bureaucratic red tape and not letting NEPA be weaponized by frivolous litigation. NCBA and PLC thank Chairman Westerman and Rep. Golden for their work on this important legislation.”
Supporters argue that the SPEED Act strikes a balance between environmental stewardship and economic viability by allowing conservation work to move forward without years of regulatory delay. By clarifying timelines and limiting excessive litigation, the bill aims to ensure that NEPA serves its original purpose rather than acting as a barrier to land improvement.
The SPEED Act now moves forward in the legislative process, where livestock producers and conservation advocates alike will be watching closely. If enacted, the bill could represent a significant shift in how federal permitting supports conservation, economic development, and the long-term sustainability of America’s working lands.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.