On Aug. 2, ABC issued a statement of support for S.J.Res.55, a Congressional Review Act resolution introduced by Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, to overturn the Biden administration’s final rule revising National Environmental Policy Act regulations. The new Biden rule reverses efforts by the Trump administration to update and streamline the federal environmental review and permitting process, leading to delays and increased costs for critical infrastructure projects.

ABC’s statement of support, along with over 40 other organizations, is included in Sen. Sullivan’s press release:

“ABC strongly supports the efforts of Sen. Sullivan and his colleagues to reverse the Biden administration’s unnecessarily costly and burdensome revisions to NEPA regulations,” said ABC Vice President of Legislative & Political Affairs Kristen Swearingen. “This rulemaking would reverse the much-needed efforts of the previous administration to update and streamline the federal environmental review and permitting process. While Congress recently passed legislation providing an unprecedented investment in our nation’s infrastructure, including language specifically calling for streamlined environmental review, this rulemaking would delay the completion of these critical projects and increase costs for the construction industry and taxpayers without providing meaningful environmental benefits. 

“Passing the resolution and undoing this harmful regulation would be a step toward promoting a coordinated, predictable and transparent process to streamline permitting. Congress should swiftly pass this resolution to enable the construction industry to plan and execute even the most complex projects while safeguarding our communities, maintaining a healthy environment and successfully stewarding public funds.”

A vote on the resolution in the Senate may take place as soon as this week, and ABC will continue to advocate for passage of this important measure.