Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) called on the Senate to address what he described as a costly, complex, and cumbersome permitting process that affects American builders, in remarks delivered on May 12.
Barrasso said that the current federal permitting system delays important energy and infrastructure projects across the country. He argued that these delays have significant economic consequences, including higher utility bills and lost paychecks. “America is a nation of builders. We are not a nation of waiters. It’s time for America’s permitting process to get out of the way,” Barrasso said.
He previewed legislation aimed at streamlining permits for new energy projects in Wyoming and nationwide. Barrasso explained, “It takes too long to build anything big in America… it is costly, it is complex, and there is a cumbersome permitting process.” He pointed specifically to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as a major obstacle: “A law called the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, is the biggest obstacle. NEPA essentially halts any and all development in its tracks.”
Barrasso cited examples from history such as construction timelines for landmarks like the Empire State Building and Hoover Dam compared with today’s average four-year environmental review under NEPA. He also referenced recent Supreme Court action limiting NEPA’s scope: “Just last year, the Supreme Court voted unanimously to limit the scope of NEPA’s environmental review… The Supreme Court is right. NEPA was once called the ‘environmental Magna Carta.’ Today, it is a regulatory Berlin Wall.”
The senator said he would soon introduce legislation intended to break bottlenecks in federal permitting processes by imposing deadlines and reforming judicial procedures related to NEPA reviews. He highlighted bipartisan efforts with Senator Joe Manchin through previous legislation passed by committee vote.
Barrasso represents Wyoming interests focused on energy affordability and opportunities for local ranchers; he chairs key Senate subcommittees related to public lands and mining; operates offices throughout Wyoming; has been recognized as Wyoming Physician of the Year; resides with his three children in Casper; and focuses on state priorities such as economy, public lands, national parks, trade and energy—according to his official website.
Looking ahead, Barrasso urged fellow senators from both parties to work together: “It is time for all Senators to find common ground… Americans still know how to build… It’s time for America’s permitting process to get out of the way.”
