NOIA flags risks as House advances SPEED Act

(WO) — The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) welcomed passage of the bipartisan Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act by the U.S. House of Representatives, while cautioning that changes made during the legislative process could introduce new uncertainties for energy projects.

NOIA President Erik Milito said the House vote signals broad agreement that federal permitting reform is needed to support domestic energy investment and production.

“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,” Milito said.

He noted, however, that revisions made after the bill moved through the House Natural Resources Committee deserve closer scrutiny as the legislation heads to the Senate.

“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,” Milito said.

Milito emphasized that predictable timelines and clear permitting processes are critical for long-term offshore and onshore energy development.

“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,” he said.

NOIA credited House lawmakers for advancing the legislation and called for a collaborative approach as the bill moves forward.

“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,” Milito said.

“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,” he added.