U.S. Representatives Gabe Evans, Scott Peters, Gabe Vasquez, Andrew Garbarino, Adam Gray, Juan Ciscomani, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jen Kiggans introduced the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act on Apr. 16. The bipartisan bill aims to overhaul the federal permitting system for energy projects.
Supporters of the legislation say that delays in building infrastructure are causing higher energy costs and slowing development across the country. The bill is intended to make it easier and faster for energy projects to receive necessary permits by streamlining the process from application submission through final agency decisions.
The CERTAIN Act proposes several changes: it would set firm timelines for all federal permitting decisions, establish clear legal remedies if agencies miss deadlines, strengthen coordination between agencies to avoid redundant reviews, protect lawfully issued permits from arbitrary revocation or political interference, and address staffing constraints at permitting agencies.
“For decades, unpredictable and burdensome permitting processes have stood in the way of investment and innovation in Colorado and across the country. Communities have been deprived of the reliable and affordable energy they need. The bipartisan and tech-neutral CERTAIN Act is the long-term solution to permitting reform. This legislation cuts through red tape to deliver American infrastructure projects of all types, sooner, so we can build a stronger America for generations to come. It depoliticizes the permitting process and secures jobs, lowers costs for American families, and prioritizes American energy dominance,” said Congressman Gabe Evans.
Congressman Scott Peters said: “Californians are already being crushed by skyrocketing energy costs. They cannot wait years for political battles to play out while their bills keep climbing. The CERTAIN Act ends the partisan whiplash that has stalled infrastructure projects for years. Once a project has undergone a fair and thorough review and obtained its permits, it should be able to move forward. That’s not a Democratic or Republican idea. It’s common sense.”
Other members also voiced support for reforms included in this bill as necessary steps toward lowering costs for families nationwide while ensuring environmental protections remain intact.
The next steps include gathering further support among lawmakers as well as input from stakeholders before moving toward passage.
