Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis published an op-ed in the Washington Post on Apr. 8, urging Congress to address what she describes as a broken permitting system that is costing the United States trillions of dollars and hindering economic growth, particularly in Wyoming.
Lummis said the lengthy and uncertain process for approving projects such as mines and energy developments creates regulatory limbo for companies willing to invest billions. She highlighted that only three mines have opened in the U.S. since 2002, with an average timeline of nearly 29 years due mostly to permitting delays. “Uncertainty and regulatory whiplash keep people up at night,” Lummis wrote, citing examples where projects were approved but later halted by new administrations.
She criticized recent policy decisions by President Joe Biden’s administration, including canceling oil and gas leases in Alaska and halting federal coal leasing in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin. Lummis said these moves negatively impact jobs and investments: “These administrative policy moves were wrong and costly.” She also noted that while executive actions under President Donald Trump helped streamline some reviews—such as reducing Nuclear Regulatory Commission review times—lasting change requires Congressional action.
Lummis called for major environmental reviews to be completed within two years, arguing that longer timelines do not improve outcomes but instead increase costs and disrupt workforce planning. She referenced a Business Roundtable analysis estimating current permitting delays could cost up to $2.4 trillion.
In her op-ed, Lummis urged bipartisan cooperation among Senate leaders on energy and environment committees to deliver comprehensive reform this year: “Fixing permitting isn’t a choice between the environment and the economy. America can protect both.” According to her official website, Lummis grew up on a cattle ranch in Laramie County, earned degrees from the University of Wyoming, served in state government roles including treasurer, represented Wyoming in both chambers of Congress, championed responsible federal budgeting and public land stewardship, raised a daughter, and enjoys time with her grandsons.
