House Advances SPEED Act, Senate Engagement Now Critical
For Immediate Release: Thursday, December 18, 2025
NOIA Contact: media@nullnoia.org
House Advances SPEED Act, Senate Engagement Now Critical
Washington, D.C. – National Ocean Industries Association President Erik Milito issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act:
“Today’s House passage of the SPEED Act reflects growing bipartisan recognition that America’s permitting system needs modernization. Permitting certainty is essential to keeping investment, jobs, and energy production in the United States, and the House vote is an important step in that direction.
“At the same time, changes made to the legislation following its consideration in the House Natural Resources Committee warrant careful review. Permitting reform must avoid creating unintended consequences that undermine investment, delay projects, or reintroduce the very uncertainty the energy sector is seeking to resolve. We are concerned that, as currently written, these risks remain.
“Certainty in permitting delivers certainty in investment. Clear timelines and predictable processes allow companies to commit capital, hire workers, and plan long-term projects that support American energy security and affordability. When permitting becomes unpredictable or open-ended, projects stall, costs rise, and investment shifts overseas, at the expense of American workers and consumers.
“We appreciate the leadership of Representatives Golden and Stauber in continuing to advocate for permit certainty and Chairman Westerman’s continued commitment to improving the federal permitting framework. Their efforts underscore the shared goal of building a more accountable, efficient system that supports domestic energy production and economic growth.
“As the Senate takes up this legislation, it is essential that Congress work collaboratively to deliver the strongest possible permitting reform, one that provides real certainty, avoids unintended consequences, and supports investment across the full spectrum of America’s energy economy. A durable, effective permitting framework is foundational to the nation’s economic strength, global competitiveness, and energy dominance.”
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About NOIA
The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) represents and advances a dynamic and growing offshore energy industry, providing solutions that support communities and protect our workers, the public and our environment.
