Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act; SPEED Act
Summary
The Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act (SPEED Act) aims to amend the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. It seeks to streamline the environmental review process for federal projects. The bill emphasizes procedural efficiency and clarifies ambiguous provisions within NEPA.
Expected Effects
The SPEED Act is likely to expedite project approvals by setting deadlines for agency actions and limiting the scope of environmental reviews. It also restricts judicial review of agency decisions under NEPA. These changes could lead to faster economic development but may also reduce environmental oversight.
Potential Benefits
- Faster project approvals due to mandated deadlines for agency actions.
- Reduced regulatory burden on businesses seeking federal permits.
- Limited scope of environmental review, focusing on direct impacts.
- Greater certainty for project sponsors due to restrictions on revoking authorizations.
- Presumption of negative impacts for tribal trust resource projects if no action is taken.
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced environmental oversight due to narrowed scope of review.
- Potential for overlooking long-term or indirect environmental impacts.
- Limited judicial review may reduce accountability for agencies.
- Prioritization of economic development over environmental protection.
- Possible negative impacts on environmental justice communities if projects are fast-tracked without adequate consideration of their concerns.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The SPEED Act's alignment with the Constitution is complex. While Congress has the power to regulate commerce and enact laws necessary and proper for executing its powers (Article I, Section 8), the extent to which it can limit judicial review is subject to debate. The Act's provisions affecting tribal trust resources could implicate the federal government's trust responsibility to Native American tribes.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).