Rep. DeGette Criticizes SPEED Act for Hindering Agency Oversight

Criticism of the SPEED Act

• 💡 Rep. Diana DeGette argues that the SPEED Act (H.R. 4776) does not streamline permitting but instead blindfolds agencies responsible for protecting natural resources.
• ⚠️ The bill allegedly prevents agencies from considering new science, conducting new environmental reviews, or assessing indirect and cumulative impacts.
• 🔬 DeGette contends that the legislation promotes an anti-science approach, preferring denial over understanding project impacts on health.

Colorado River Case Example

• 📌 A Supreme Court ruling in Colorado approved a 100-mile crude oil train route despite local objections and federal estimates of spills.
• 📉 The court ruled that agencies did not need to consider downstream impacts, a precedent the SPEED Act allegedly expands upon by outright preventing such considerations.

Proposed Amendment and Republican Opposition

• 🎯 DeGette offered an amendment to broaden the scope of review, ensuring agencies weigh all relevant facts and consequences.
• 🚫 Republicans reportedly refused to accept this amendment in the rules committee.
• 🛠️ Instead of funding and staffing agencies for faster processing, Republicans are accused of wanting agencies to look the other way.

Consequences of Cutting Corners

• ⏳ The argument is made that jobs worth doing are worth doing right, even if it takes more time.
• 💥 Cutting corners now will lead to cleaning up disasters later, with costs falling on communities, not those who cut corners.
• 📢 DeGette urges colleagues to vote no on the bill.