The House of Representatives passed the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act on Thursday, a bill designed to overhaul the federal environmental review process, despite late alterations that caused clean energy advocates and some moderate Democrats to withdraw their support. The bill, introduced by Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and supported by Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), passed with a 221-196 vote, with 11 Democrats joining Republicans in favor of the reform.
The legislation now moves to the Senate, where its future is uncertain due to bipartisan opposition and support. The SPEED Act aims to modify the 1970 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a cornerstone environmental law requiring federal assessment and approval for major government projects.
NEPA's current framework mandates detailed environmental impact statements for projects with significant federal involvement, a process proponents of the SPEED Act argue is often lengthy and inefficient. Republicans and some Democrats contend that the reforms are necessary to streamline project approvals, boost economic development, and enhance energy security. Critics, however, warn that the changes could weaken environmental protections and accelerate climate change.
The specific amendments that triggered the withdrawal of support from clean energy groups and moderate Democrats remain a point of contention. These groups fear the revised bill could expedite approvals for fossil fuel projects while hindering the development of renewable energy infrastructure. The exact nature of these amendments and their potential impact are still being analyzed by policy experts.
The bill's passage reflects an ongoing debate about the balance between environmental protection and economic growth. Proponents argue that modernizing NEPA is crucial for infrastructure development and job creation, while opponents maintain that weakening environmental safeguards could have long-term consequences for public health and the environment.
The Senate will now consider the SPEED Act, potentially holding hearings and conducting further analysis before a vote. The outcome in the Senate remains uncertain, with both parties divided on the merits of the legislation. The White House has not yet issued a formal statement on the bill, but its stance will likely play a significant role in the Senate's deliberations.
Multi-Source Journalism
This article synthesizes reporting from multiple credible news sources to provide comprehensive, balanced coverage.
Deep insights powered by AI
Continue exploring
The latest episode of "Landman" Season 2 features unexpected and explicit content, including a full-frontal scene with Billy Bob Thornton, sparking discussion about the show's creative direction. Despite the shocking moments, the episode concludes with a romantic proposal, leaving viewers with mixed reactions and raising questions about the narrative's overall impact.
Timothée Chalamet solidifies his position as a leading box office draw, particularly during the Christmas season, with his latest film "Marty Supreme" earning $27 million. Following the success of "Wonka" and the Bob Dylan biopic, this trend underscores Chalamet's broad appeal across genres, a phenomenon recognized globally within the film industry and anticipated to continue with future releases like "Dune: Part III."
Variety is digging deep into its 120-year-old archives, unearthing a treasure trove of vintage movie ads that offer a fascinating peek into Hollywood's evolution. From forgotten flicks to iconic blockbusters like "Star Wars" and "Chinatown," these ads showcase how films were marketed to audiences, reminding us of the enduring power of cinema.
Brigitte Bardot, the iconic star of films like "And God Created Woman" and "Contempt," wasn't just a sex symbol; she shattered norms and redefined feminine identity on screen! Her raw sensuality and unapologetic spirit captivated audiences, leaving an undeniable mark on cinema and forever changing our perception of women in film.
Vernon Morris, a pioneer in atmospheric sciences, established the first PhD program at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), significantly increasing the number of Black and Latinx PhD graduates in the field. His work on airborne particle processes enhances weather and climate models, improving forecasting accuracy and addressing underrepresentation in STEM. This initiative serves as a model for fostering diversity and inclusion in scientific workplaces.
A correction has been issued for a Nature article concerning the derivation of human pluripotent stem cells resembling an eight-cell embryo. The correction clarifies the ethical oversight and review processes for animal studies, specifically human-mouse chimera and human blastoid experiments, ensuring adherence to both local guidelines and international regulations like the ISSCR guidelines. This update addresses potential concerns regarding the ethical implications of integrating human stem cells into animal models.
The Nature Podcast's 2025 highlights include a potato pangenome project, leveraging advanced sequencing to unlock genetic diversity for breeding, and a quantum physics conference held on Heligoland island, the birthplace of quantum mechanics. Additionally, the podcast featured research on a micro-robot for liquid manipulation and the discovery of ancient Mesoamerican puppets.
A new study reveals that while weight loss improves metabolism in mid-aged mice, it can induce inflammation in brain regions linked to appetite and energy balance, potentially impacting cognitive health. This research highlights the complex relationship between weight loss and brain health in midlife, suggesting that the benefits of slimming down may not be as straightforward as once believed.
Move over, Sheldon and Leonard! Real-world physicists are turning science fiction into fact, proposing that fusion reactors could be axion factories, potentially unlocking the secrets of dark matter and sending ripples of excitement through the scientific community and beyond. This breakthrough, reminiscent of a plotline from "The Big Bang Theory," is poised to captivate audiences with its blend of cutting-edge science and pop culture appeal.
Lab-grown "mini-brains" are revealing distinct electrical signatures of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, offering a new avenue for precision psychiatry. By identifying unique neural activity patterns, this research promises more accurate diagnoses and personalized drug testing, potentially revolutionizing mental health treatment. This development highlights the growing potential of AI-driven diagnostics in understanding complex neurological conditions.
Researchers have discovered that mid-sized fish in the ocean's twilight zone, like the bigscale pomfret, act as a crucial link in the food web, explaining why large predators frequent these depths. By using satellite tags to track these elusive fish, scientists are gaining insights into how their movements, influenced by water clarity, impact the entire ocean ecosystem, potentially reshaping our understanding of marine food chains.
Brigitte Bardot, the French actress who became an international symbol of liberated sexuality in the mid-20th century, has died at 91. Beyond her film career, Bardot influenced global fashion and culture, and later dedicated her life to animal rights advocacy, leaving a complex legacy in both the entertainment world and animal welfare movements.
Discussion
Join the conversation
Be the first to comment