1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I urge you to vote against the SPEED Act, legislation that undermines the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) under the guise of permitting reform. This bill would weaken critical protections that have safeguarded our air, water, and public lands for decades while failing to address the actual barriers preventing clean energy deployment. The SPEED Act dramatically reduces public input on projects affecting shared lands, restricts scientific review of environmental impacts, and limits court oversight of the permitting process. These changes represent a fundamental shift away from accountability and transparency in how we manage resources that belong to all Americans. Over 150 environmental and community groups have opposed this legislation because, rather than clearing the path for wind, solar, and transmission projects ready to move forward, this bill creates advantages for oil and gas development. At a time when families face rising energy costs, Congress should focus on simplifying deployment of transmission lines, renewable energy, and grid upgrades that deliver affordable power. There is abundant clean energy ready to come online today. The barrier is not environmental review but rather inadequate transmission infrastructure and outdated grid systems. I expect you to vote no on the SPEED Act and instead support solutions that build clean energy faster while maintaining the public's right to participate in decisions affecting our shared environment. Our conservation values and the integrity of NEPA must not be sacrificed for a false promise of efficiency that ultimately serves polluting industries at the expense of communities.