Communities Are Waiting. Congress Must Act on Permitting Reform.

The Senate's bipartisan permitting reform package represents one of the most important opportunities in decades for Congress to change how America builds the infrastructure that people depend on every day.  That's why the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has convened a coalition of more than 850 organizations urging Congress to fix our broken permitting process. Getting this done means shorter commutes, lower utility bills, faster internet, lower emissions, and better access to doctors and schools: real improvements in the daily lives of families across the country. 

Right now, approximately $1.5 trillion in job-creating projects are stuck waiting for government approvals. These aren't abstract investments: they are the new bridge on your morning commute, the broadband line that could finally reach your home, the pipeline that could lower your heating bill, and the water system upgrade your town has needed for years. Every month of delay is another month your family waits for improvements that are already planned, and those delays burden taxpayers at a time when every dollar counts. 

Enacting permitting reform means clear government deadlines, transparent processes, and no longer letting red tape postpone projects for years, or even decades, without good reason. Strong environmental protections and community input remain in place; endless delays do not. 

Think about what that means where you live. Safer roads and bridges mean fewer potholes, shorter detours, and less time stuck in traffic. A modernized local airport means your flight is more likely to leave on time. Faster broadband to rural areas means your kids can do homework without driving to a parking lot for Wi-Fi, and you can see a doctor over video without fighting a spotty connection. Upgraded ports mean the goods you buy get here faster and cost less. 

Permitting reform also means lower energy costs. For years, red tape has blocked the expansion of natural gas pipelines into New England, helping push the region's energy prices among the highest in the nation and being reliant on imported gas from abroad. Clearing those bottlenecks could cut peak winter natural gas prices in the Northeast by more than 20 percent by 2031 — real savings showing up on real heating bills. 

The bottom line is simple: when the government takes too long to approve infrastructure, families pay the price in higher costs, longer waits, and missed opportunities. 

Congress has the chance right now to change that. Passing permitting reform means the projects your community needs can finally get built, putting people to work, lowering costs, and making everyday life a little easier for millions of Americans who have already waited long enough. 

About the author

Martin Durbin

Martin (Marty) Durbin is Senior Vice President for Policy, overseeing the U.S. Chamber’s well-respected Policy Division, and also serves as President of the U.S. Chamber’s Global Energy Institute.

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