Bipartisan Push for Permitting Reform Aims to Cut Project Delays Exceeding Five Years

Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA) recently underscored the critical importance of permitting reform, stating that it represents "one of our best opportunities to get critical projects moving faster." The California Congressman emphasized that "certainty in permitting is a key step forward in any deal," highlighting a growing bipartisan consensus in Washington to streamline regulatory processes for infrastructure, energy, and housing projects.

Current environmental permitting procedures, particularly those under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), have been identified as significant bottlenecks to progress. Reports indicate that completing an environmental impact statement (EIS) averages nearly five years, with more than a quarter of these extensive reviews extending beyond six years. These protracted timelines contribute significantly to increased project costs and demonstrably hinder economic growth nationwide.

As Chair of the newly formed bipartisan Build America Caucus, launched in May 2025, Rep. Harder is at the forefront of these legislative efforts. This caucus, comprising nearly 30 members from across the ideological spectrum, aims to advance pro-growth policies by tackling bureaucratic hurdles that impede development. Furthermore, the influential Problem Solvers Caucus, of which Harder is a key member, endorsed a comprehensive bipartisan permitting reform framework in September 2025, signaling strong cross-aisle commitment to the issue.

The overarching goal of this reform movement is to unlock America's economic potential by accelerating construction and eliminating unnecessary administrative delays. The Build America Caucus specifically prioritizes unleashing American energy independence through streamlined permitting and transmission reform, making housing more affordable by incentivizing increased construction, and expediting crucial infrastructure projects. These initiatives are designed to directly address pressing national challenges such as strained energy grids, rising housing costs, and outdated transportation networks.

Harder, alongside 20 other House members, formally urged the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in July 2025 to incorporate significant NEPA reforms into the forthcoming surface transportation bill, which is scheduled for completion in 2026. This concerted legislative push underscores a broader, urgent movement within Congress to ensure that essential public and private sector projects, ranging from new energy facilities to critical highways, can proceed with greater efficiency, predictability, and ultimately, a faster timeline for completion.