IPAA: SPEED Act Builds Momentum for Real Permitting Reform in 2026

Posted at 15:13hin Infrastructure, Press Releases by Jennifer Pett

"IPAA applauds the House for passage of the SPEED Act. Speaker Johnson, House Natural Resources Chairman Westerman and other congressional leaders have shown their commitment to permitting reform with this legislation. The SPEED Act is a much-needed answer to years of independent oil and natural gas producers' concerns on the permitting of energy infrastructure. Reforms made to the 50-year-old National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in the SPEED Act provide greater certainty for energy producers, address delays, and accelerate the approval process for oil and natural gas projects that provide needed energy for Americans.

"Reforming permitting remains one of IPAA's highest priorities for the 119th Congress. The SPEED Act moving forward, combined with other recently passed permitting legislation in the House, builds momentum for 2026. IPAA is actively working with the relevant committees in the Senate to pass permitting reform priorities to conference with the House-passed legislation and send to President Trump's desk."

In July, IPAA and a group of eight oil and natural gas trade associations highlighted their strong support for the bipartisan SPEED Act in a letter to Chairman Westerman. The group's letter details how the scope of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements and applications have grown since its enactment 50 years ago and the courts, Presidential directives, and agencies' implementation of NEPA regulations have made NEPA unworkable and far more complicated than its original intent. The federal government's "paper chase" hinders efforts to find innovative solutions to protect the environment, unlock investment and create jobs. The SPEED Act addresses many of the most pressing issues surrounding NEPA delays and will provide durable solutions to help expedite much needed infrastructure projects across the country.

In November, IPAA voiced support for the SPEED act passing out of the House Natural Resources Committee.

This month, IPAA and America's foremost energy trade associations, wrote to President Trump to express our strong support for the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act and to respectfully urged the Administration to prioritize its advancement. IPAA also joined the U.S. Chamber and 75 associations broadly representing sectors across the U.S. economy in urging all members of the House to support the SPEED Act and modernizing permitting processes.

IPAA's one-pager, "Reforming NEPA: The pathway to permitting reform," highlights policy solutions that would make significant strides in reforming NEPA and the federal permitting process.

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