The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act (H.R. 4776) with a 221-196 vote. The bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Jared Golden (D-ME), aims to reform the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) by establishing streamlined timelines and procedures for federal permitting of energy infrastructure projects, including offshore wind developments. The bill addresses permitting processes but does not include provisions for electric transmission infrastructure expansion. Senate consideration of the legislation was halted in December 2025 following the suspension of multiple offshore wind projects, with Senate Democrats indicating they would require resolution of ongoing administrative actions affecting renewable energy projects before advancing permitting reform. More information can be found here.
