WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to the Administration’s proposal to modernize the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Tom Donohue made the following statement:
“If America is to meet its growing challenges on infrastructure, energy and the environment, then we must modernize the 40-year old NEPA process. In many cases, it takes far longer to obtain a permit than it actually takes to build one of these critical projects, and that should not be acceptable.
“That’s why the Chamber strongly supports the Administration’s efforts to streamline permitting processes, and why we are leading a broad coalition representing the business community and workers to support the new rule. We support NEPA’s requirement for environmental reviews and public input. But too often, the current rules are used as a tool to obstruct important projects, such as highways, bridges, public transit and even renewable energy projects. Reducing delays and uncertainties associated with infrastructure investment and related projects will allow businesses to plan and invest with confidence while enhancing economic productivity and supporting more and better-paying jobs throughout the country.”
The U.S. Chamber is leading a new coalition to support the NEPA updates, Unlock American Investment. The coalition consists of more than 35 organizations from across the economy. A list is available here.
