The House of Representatives cleared the way for a massive overhaul of the federal environmental review process last Thursday, despite last-minute changes that led clean energy groups and moderate Democrats to pull their support. The Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act, or SPEED Act, overcame opposition from environmentalists and many Democrats who oppose the bills sweeping changes to a bedrock environmental law. The bill, introduced by Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and backed by Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), passed the House Thursday in a 221-196 vote, in which 11 Democrats joined Republican lawmakers to back the reform effort. It now heads to the Senate, where it has critics and proponents on both sides of the aisle, making its prospects uncertain.

Rep. Westerman, the bill's primary sponsor, emphasized the need for reform, stating, "The current system is broken and has become a major obstacle to economic growth and job creation. The SPEED Act will streamline the permitting process, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and help us build the infrastructure we need to compete in the 21st century." However, environmental groups and some Democrats argue that the bill's changes will undermine the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a landmark law signed into effect in 1970, which requires federal agencies to assess and mitigate the environmental impacts of major projects.

The SPEED Act seeks to reform foundational environmental regulations by amending NEPA, which has been a cornerstone of environmental policy for decades. The bill's supporters argue that the current system is too slow and burdensome, hindering economic development and job creation. However, critics contend that the bill's changes will lead to a lack of transparency and accountability in the permitting process, potentially harming the environment and public health.

The bill's passage in the House marks a significant shift in the nation's environmental policy, with implications for the development of clean energy projects and other major infrastructure initiatives. The bill's supporters, including Rep. Golden, argue that the reform effort will help to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy, while critics warn that the changes will undermine the nation's environmental protections.

As the bill heads to the Senate, where it is expected to face intense scrutiny, environmental groups and other stakeholders are preparing for a fierce battle. The bill's prospects are uncertain, with some lawmakers expressing concerns about the bill's impact on the environment and public health. The Senate's consideration of the bill will be closely watched, as it has the potential to shape the nation's environmental policy for years to come.

In a statement, the Sierra Club, a leading environmental group, expressed its opposition to the bill, stating, "The SPEED Act is a thinly veiled attempt to gut NEPA and undermine the nation's environmental protections. We urge the Senate to reject this bill and protect the public's right to know about the environmental impacts of major projects." The bill's supporters, however, remain optimistic about its prospects, citing the need for reform and the potential benefits of streamlined permitting.