March 25, 2026

Background: The U.S. Senate will vote soon on two permitting reform bills (the SPEED Act and the PERMIT Act) which would weaken the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), expose water sources to pollution, and create barriers to building climate resiliency.

In 1969, Congress passed NEPA in response to increased pollution of waterways and degradation of ecosystems from widespread industrialization and growth. NEPA ensures that federal agencies will review the environmental consequences of projects and take measures to prevent harm.

The SPEED Act and the PERMIT Act would prioritize expediency over thoughtful consultation, corporate profit over public benefit, and the acceleration of fossil fuel and mining projects over renewable energy—undermining the purpose of NEPA and codifying climate denial into law. 

These Senate negotiations are happening in the midst of Trump administration rollbacks to environmental protections, rescinded funding and permitting for renewable energy, and U.S. withdrawal from global climate treaties.

Permitting legislation should ensure that the voices of impacted communities are heard. Policies must be centered on a just transition from fossil fuels to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate resiliency, and must protect the health of our water, land and air for future generations.

Faith reflection: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV)

Take action: Urge your senators to oppose the SPEED Act and the PERMIT Act

Photo above: Mountain Valley Pipeline construction in West Virginia in 2021. MCC photo/Kirstin De Mello