Sen. Cramer, Colleagues Introduce Comprehensive Regulatory and Permitting Reform Legislation

Press Release

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, joined Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and 44 Republican colleagues in introducing the Simplify Timelines and Assure Regulatory Transparency (START) Act, comprehensive federal regulatory permitting and project review reform legislation.

"The backroom so-called permitting reform deal was a farce and we all know it. The quid pro quo of theoretical permitting reform in exchange for $700 billion in new taxes, spending, and inflation doesn't even count as a feeble effort, but this bill is an incremental move in the right direction. This bill codifies a number of streamlined permitting policies which protect American jobs, decrease costs, and give authority back to state governments, all of which provide certainty to applicants who have to work with the federal government. It will make a difference in a time when we need more energy and infrastructure, not less. My hope is to strengthen this bill with even more meaningful reforms," said Senator Cramer.

"Since our calls for action and offers to see legislative text from the permitting "deal' remain unheeded, Republicans are introducing this legislation today to deliver solutions to the roadblocks, delays, and postponements of key infrastructure projects across the country," said EPW Ranking Member Capito. "The START Act would provide regulatory certainty to states, expedite permitting and review processes, codify substantive environmental regulatory reforms, and expedite permitting of the critically important Mountain Valley Pipeline. Republicans are unified in working to deliver needed permitting reform, and this legislation is a blueprint for how we can help communities benefit from being able to finally get critical projects across the finish line."

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