Dear Chairman Westerman:
Modernizing and improving the federal permitting process is critical to driving economic growth throughout America’s economy and delivering tangible benefits to communities across our country. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, therefore, commends your leadership in advancing legislation through the House Natural Resources Committee to achieve that objective.
The breadth of projects impacted by permitting delays is staggering: energy generation and transmission, roads and bridges, water systems, manufacturing facilities, land management, natural resource use, and broadband networks. Each of these investments strengthens local economies, creates jobs, and improves quality of life. Yet, under the current system, unnecessary permitting delays and uncertainty often stall progress, driving up costs and limiting the benefits communities deserve.
Better permitting means better infrastructure—and better outcomes for families and businesses. It means rural communities gaining access to high-speed internet, enabling entrepreneurs. It means reliable energy to power homes and businesses at affordable rates. It means modern transportation systems that reduce congestion and improve safety. These are not partisan priorities; they are national imperatives.
That is why the Chamber launched the Permit America to Build campaign and why more than 500 organizations representing all 50 states and sectors across the economy signed a letter urging Congress to fix the permitting process. The message is clear: America needs bipartisan, comprehensive permitting reform to compete globally and deliver for its citizens.
We urge Congress to seize this opportunity and pass legislation that modernizes permitting across all sectors. Together, we can ensure that America builds the infrastructure of the future—efficiently, responsibly, and in a way that benefits our communities.
Thank you again for your leadership on this critical issue. We look forward to working with you and your colleagues to get this done.
Sincerely,
Marty Durbin
President, Global Energy Institute
Senior Vice President, Policy
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
