Evans Leads Sweeping, Bipartisan Federal Permitting Overhaul

WASHINGTON —Today, Reps. Gabe Evans (R-CO), Scott Peters (D-CA), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Adam Gray (D-CA), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), and Jen Kiggans (R-VA) formally introduced the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, a bipartisan bill to fix our federal permitting system and ensure all energy projects are built efficiently, fairly, and on time.

America’s energy demand is surging, but the infrastructure we need to meet this demand is not being built fast enough. Without reform, these delays will slow energy development, drive up costs, and impose real consequences on American workers, businesses, and consumers.

The CERTAIN Act would streamline the federal permitting process from when an application is submitted to when agencies reach a final decision. It would provide enforceable accountability measures, stronger coordination between agencies, and ensure agencies are fully staffed. Critically, the bill would protect lawfully issued permits from arbitrary revocation or political interference, giving developers, investors, and workers the certainty they need to build.

“For decades, unpredictable and burdensome permitting processes have stood in the way of investment and innovation in Colorado and across the country. Communities have been deprived of the reliable and affordable energy they need. The bipartisan and tech-neutral CERTAIN Act is the long-term solution to permitting reform. This legislation cuts through red tape to deliver American infrastructure projects of all types, sooner, so we can build a stronger America for generations to come. It depoliticizes the permitting process and secures jobs, lowers costs for American families, and prioritizes American energy dominance.” — Congressman Gabe Evans (R-CO)  

“Californians are already being crushed by skyrocketing energy costs. They cannot wait years for political battles to play out while their bills keep climbing. The CERTAIN Act ends the partisan whiplash that has stalled infrastructure projects for years. Once a project has undergone a fair and thorough review and obtained its permits, it should be able to move forward. That's not a Democratic or Republican idea. It's common sense.” — Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA)

“In order to combat rising energy costs, we must ensure that our permitting process is efficient, transparent, and accountable for future energy infrastructure development. The CERTAIN Act eliminates unnecessary red tape and improves coordination across agencies to ensure critical energy projects aren’t delayed by political gridlock. I am proud to support this bipartisan effort that will lower costs, strengthen energy security, and deliver real relief for families in Virginia’s Second District.” — Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA)

“In Pennsylvania, I hear from business leaders, manufacturers, and energy developers who are ready to build but are waiting years for a permit, which puts us behind competitors like China and drives up costs here at home. The CERTAIN Act brings accountability to the process with clear timelines and fewer unnecessary delays so we can get projects done while still protecting our communities and environment. I’m grateful to Representatives Peters and Evans for their bipartisan leadership to help us build smarter, faster, and more affordably here at home.”  — Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA)

“Too often, critical infrastructure and energy projects get stuck in a broken permitting process that lacks transparency and accountability. That drives up costs for families and holds back communities. I’m proud to help introduce the bipartisan CERTAIN Act to bring more certainty to the process and ensure projects that meet the requirements can move forward. We must get this bill across the finish line as soon as possible so we can start delivering real results for our communities.” — Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY)

“We need major reforms to our permitting process that ensure transparency, timelines, and certainty for all applicants. By working together to fix our permitting processes, we can save taxpayer dollars, strengthen our economy, and once again show that America can build great things.” — Congressman Adam Gray (D-CA)

“Arizona families and businesses are counting on smart, reliable energy solutions that support growth and opportunity,” said Rep. Ciscomani. “The CERTAIN Act brings clarity, coordination, and common sense to the federal permitting process so we can responsibly build the energy infrastructure our communities need. We can and should increase energy production while protecting our environment, and this bipartisan effort sets clear timelines and accountability to create jobs, strengthen our grid, and power America’s future responsibly.” — Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ)

Key provisions of the CERTAIN Act include:

• Firm timelines and milestones for all federal permitting decisions

• Clear legal remedies when agencies miss deadlines

• Stronger interagency coordination to eliminate redundant reviews

• Protection for lawfully issued permits against arbitrary revocation

• Accountability measures to address capacity constraints at permitting agencies

The CERTAIN Act builds on a discussion draft circulated by Reps. Evans, Peters, Vasquez, and Garbarino in January. That input helped shape the final legislation introduced today.

The CERTAIN Act is also supported by a broad coalition of organizations. You can read their statements of support HERE. See bill text HERE, and a section-by-section HERE.