Rep. Debbie Dingell Slams SPEED Act for Undermining Environmental Reviews

Opposition to the SPEED Act

• 📌 Rep. Debbie Dingell rises in opposition to HR4776, the SPEED Act, stating it would undermine the original intent of NEPA.
• 💡 The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), established over 50 years ago, is described as the bedrock of conservation law, protecting the environment, human health, and public voice in policy decisions.

Concerns Over Public Input and Transparency

• 🗣️ The SPEED Act is criticized for limiting the public review process, which is seen as a critical component of environmental decision-making.
• 🏛️ Dingell emphasizes that the public has a right to input when decisions impacting their communities are made, referencing the spirit of NEPA's original author.
• ⚖️ While acknowledging the need for faster permitting, Dingell asserts that this cannot come at the cost of public input and transparency.

Addressing Permitting Delays

• 📉 A significant cause of permitting delays is identified as limited agency capacity, including recent cuts to staffing and funding.
• 🚫 The SPEED Act is noted for failing to address these capacity issues, which could further slow down project permitting.

Call for Bipartisan Reform

• 🤝 Dingell expresses openness to working on bipartisan permitting reform but insists it must protect the original intent of NEPA.
• 🗳️ She strongly urges colleagues to vote no on HR4776.