Advocacy News – Jan. 8, 2026
What’s new: Just before the holidays, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4776, the “SPEED Act” (Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act). This bipartisan bill modernizes the federal permitting process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) with a clear goal: move projects from paperwork to construction faster.
Why it matters: Lengthy and unpredictable permitting timelines slow projects, raise costs and discourage investment. Key provisions of the SPEED Act aim to fix that by:
- Cutting red tape: Clarifies what qualifies as a “major federal action” under NEPA to avoid unnecessary reviews and allows agencies to reuse prior analyses.
- Focusing reviews: Aligns with Supreme Court guidance to limit environmental reviews to impacts directly tied to a project.
- Setting deadlines: Establishes firm timelines for agency decisions (e.g., 30 days after assessments) and limits legal challenges to 150 days – providing greater certainty for employers and investors.
- Improving coordination: Strengthens interagency coordination to reduce redundant and overlapping reviews.
What we’re saying: The Michigan Chamber joined dozens of other business groups urging lawmakers to advance the legislation. Streamlined permitting is essential for building roads, energy and water systems, and broadband – projects Michigan businesses and communities rely on.
- The bill would also help facilitate investment, strengthen supply chains and boost U.S. competitiveness by reducing uncertainty and delays that stall projects.
What’s next: The MI Chamber is now focused on securing U.S. Senate action, and urging leadership to make passage a top priority for 2026
For questions or more information, contact Mike Alaimo.