Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act; SPEED Act
Summary
The SPEED Act aims to amend the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 to streamline the environmental review process. It seeks to clarify ambiguous provisions and expedite economic development by setting time limits and narrowing the scope of environmental reviews. The bill also limits judicial review of agency actions under NEPA.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the SPEED Act would likely lead to faster project approvals by reducing the time and scope of environmental impact assessments. This could accelerate economic development but may also result in less thorough consideration of environmental impacts. The changes to judicial review could limit the ability of citizens to challenge agency decisions.
Potential Benefits
- Faster approval of infrastructure and development projects.
- Reduced regulatory burden on businesses and government agencies.
- Increased economic activity due to expedited project timelines.
- Clarified NEPA procedures, leading to more predictable outcomes.
- Limits on judicial review could reduce frivolous lawsuits and delays.
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced environmental protection due to narrower scope of review.
- Potential for overlooking long-term or indirect environmental impacts.
- Limited public input and oversight in the environmental review process.
- Increased risk of environmental damage from projects approved without thorough assessment.
- Restrictions on judicial review may limit citizens' ability to challenge harmful projects.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The SPEED Act's alignment with the Constitution is complex. Congress has the power to regulate commerce (Article I, Section 8), which could justify federal environmental regulations. However, the Act's limitations on judicial review might raise concerns about due process (Fifth Amendment) and the separation of powers if it unduly restricts the judiciary's ability to review agency actions. The balance between promoting economic development and protecting the environment is a policy choice within Congress's purview, but must respect constitutional limits on rights and judicial review.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).