Heather Reams wrote on permitting reform for RealClearEnergy here. Key points include:
- Congress enters 2026 with rare bipartisan momentum on permitting reform, warning that without action the U.S. risks losing energy competitiveness as projects critical to AI, defense, and infrastructure remain stuck in red tape and litigation.
- A slate of House-passed bills—including SPEED, Mining Regulatory Clarity, and ePermit—would streamline NEPA reviews, modernize permitting technology, reduce frivolous lawsuits, and unlock domestic critical minerals while strengthening national security.
- With more than 1,000 projects worth over $1.1 trillion stalled, Reams argues that swift congressional action is essential to cut years-long permitting delays, create jobs, and prevent adversarial nations from pulling ahead.
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