Clearing the Rubble: Momentum Builds for Permitting Reform
by Adam Pugh, NSSGA
In December, Congress made meaningful progress on the common-sense permitting reforms the aggregates industry has long championed. After years of advocacy highlighting how outdated federal permitting rules slow project delivery and increase costs, the U.S. House of Representatives passed several key bills to modernize environmental reviews and regulatory approvals for infrastructure and natural resource projects. These are precisely the reforms NSSGA has pushed with lawmakers, federal agencies and coalition partners.
On Dec. 11, the House approved the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act (H.R. 3898). Led by Rep. Mike Collins (GA) and advanced through the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, the PERMIT Act addresses inefficiencies in the Clean Water Act permitting process. It clarifies standards for applicants and regulators, strengthens procedural certainty and reduces unnecessary delays that hold up critical infrastructure projects. Several key reforms in the PERMIT Act would directly benefit aggregates producers by streamlining the Clean Water Act review processes.
Days later, on Dec. 18, the House passed the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act (H.R. 4776), a bipartisan bill introduced by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR) and Rep. Jared Golden (ME). The SPEED Act updates the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) framework by focusing reviews on the direct impacts of projects, limiting duplicative analysis and shortening review timelines. These changes bring predictability to the permitting process while maintaining environmental safeguards.
Each now awaits Senate consideration, and NSSGA member engagement is essential at this stage.
Engagement, Advocacy, Results
NSSGA did not simply observe this progress; we helped drive it. Alongside partners across the construction materials industry, NSSGA submitted multiple letters of support for the PERMIT and SPEED Acts to House leadership and the key committees, detailing how permitting delays affect aggregates producers and the broader infrastructure supply chain.
NSSGA’s government affairs team worked closely with the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, the House Natural Resources Committee and other members of Congress to highlight the real-world impacts of permitting delays. We shared data, member experiences and industry expertise to help shape legislation that advances broader infrastructure goals.
Why It Matters for Aggregates Producers
Federal permitting is not an abstract policy debate. Delays under the Clean Water Act and NEPA directly affect project timelines, increase costs and create uncertainty for operators.
When approvals stall, the supply of materials for roads, bridges, energy projects and community infrastructure slows. These delays clearly cause ripple effects throughout the economy.
By clarifying review requirements, setting enforceable timelines and eliminating duplicative analysis, the PERMIT and SPEED Acts would help projects move forward more efficiently while preserving environmental protections. That balance is why NSSGA strongly supports these reforms.
By passing these permitting reforms, the House is set to consider its upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill. These reforms will make building projects faster and more costeffective, to maximize the number of projects authorized under the bill. As Congress continues down this path, we encourage them to consider permitting and surface transportation reauthorization simultaneously.
What’s Next and How You Can Help
The Senate now holds the key. While House action establishes a strong foundation, these bills must advance in the Senate before reaching the President’s desk.
NSSGA will continue pressing the case on Capitol Hill, but Senators listen most closely to their constituents. Members are encouraged to contact their Senators to urge support for the PERMIT Act, the SPEED Act and related permitting reforms. Sharing how permitting delays affect your operations, workforce and ability to supply essential materials, strengthens the case for action. If you have any questions or want to know how to better get involved, contact Adam Pugh at apugh@nssga.org.
With momentum building, NSSGA member engagement can now help deliver the permitting system America’s infrastructure and aggregates producers deserve.
Originally published in March/April 2026 NSSGA REVIEW.