Report on the SPEED Act and its Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction to Proposed Legislative Reforms

On July 25, the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act was introduced as a bipartisan bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation proposes amendments to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) with the objective of clarifying ambiguities and streamlining the federal permitting process for major projects.

Advancing SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The SPEED Act directly addresses the objectives of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by seeking to mitigate lengthy and costly delays in the federal permitting process. Such delays frequently impede the development of resilient infrastructure essential for sustainable industrialization and economic support, particularly in rural communities. The reforms are intended to accelerate projects critical to national infrastructure, including:

• Transportation systems
• Energy grids and facilities
• Water management systems
• Broadband networks
• Forest management initiatives

By expediting these projects, the Act aims to advance the development of reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, thereby fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Balancing Development with Environmental and Energy Goals

The proposed amendments to NEPA carry significant implications for multiple Sustainable Development Goals. The Act’s focus on streamlining reviews for energy and water projects aligns with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Simultaneously, it seeks to maintain environmental safeguards central to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by creating a more efficient procedural framework for environmental impact reviews.

Key Provisions of the SPEED Act

1. Clarification of NEPA’s Role: Emphasizes that NEPA is a procedural statute for reviewing environmental impacts, not for determining specific project outcomes.
2. Focused Review Scope: Narrows federal agency review requirements to focus solely on environmental effects directly linked to a proposed project.
3. Elimination of Redundancy: Allows agencies to utilize existing environmental reviews conducted under other federal, state, or tribal statutes that satisfy NEPA requirements.
4. Establishment of Deadlines: Sets clear and firm deadlines for the completion of environmental reviews to ensure timely decisions.
5. Limitation on Judicial Review: Restricts the scope of judicial reviews for legal challenges brought under NEPA claims.
6. Expansion of Categorical Exclusions: Broadens the application of categorical exclusions for projects deemed to have minimal environmental impact.

Fostering SDG 8 and SDG 16: Economic Growth and Strong Institutions

The legislation is positioned to support SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by unlocking infrastructure investments that stimulate local economies and support job creation. County governments, which are responsible for over $146 billion in annual infrastructure investment, are identified as critical stakeholders who would benefit from a more efficient process.

Furthermore, the bill contributes to the aims of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by seeking to develop more effective, accountable, and transparent regulatory institutions. Specific measures include:

• Codifying the Supreme Court’s decision in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado, which reinforces an agency’s judgment regarding the scope of its environmental review.
• Granting project applicants increased control and flexibility over the review process timeline, thereby improving institutional predictability and efficiency.

Conclusion: A Framework for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)

The bipartisan nature of the SPEED Act and the call for meaningful collaboration between federal, state, and county governments exemplify the principles of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The successful implementation of these reforms hinges on multi-stakeholder partnerships dedicated to achieving sustainable development. By modernizing the NEPA framework, the SPEED Act aims to create a durable balance between environmental stewardship and the imperative for infrastructure development, thereby supporting progress across a broad spectrum of the Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

• The article is centered on the “Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act,” which aims to streamline the federal permitting process for infrastructure projects. It explicitly mentions “transportation, energy, water systems, forest management and broadband” as key areas, directly aligning with the core focus of SDG 9 on building resilient infrastructure.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• The full title of the proposed legislation is the “Standardizing Permitting and Expediting **Economic Development** (SPEED) Act.” The article states that delays in the current process “stall and drive up costs for critical projects that… support local economies.” This directly connects the bill’s purpose to fostering economic growth.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• The article highlights the role of county governments, which “play a key role in advancing infrastructure projects to… strengthen communities across the country.” It also notes the particular importance of these projects for “rural areas with limited resources,” touching upon the goal of creating sustainable and well-supported communities for all.

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• The text explicitly lists “energy” as a type of infrastructure project affected by the permitting process. Furthermore, it references President Trump’s Executive Order 14154, titled “Unleashing American Energy,” which reinforces the connection to developing energy infrastructure.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• The article discusses a legislative effort to amend the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a foundational law governing federal processes. The SPEED Act’s goal to “clarify ambiguity,” “set clear deadlines,” and “avoid duplicative reviews” is an attempt to create more effective and accountable institutions, which is a central theme of SDG 16.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

1. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
   • The article’s focus on expediting projects in “transportation, energy, water systems… and broadband” directly supports the development of this infrastructure. The mention of improving conditions in “rural areas with limited resources” aligns with the goal of equitable access.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

1. Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation…
   • The article states that the purpose of streamlining the permitting process is to advance projects that “support local economies.” By reducing delays and costs, the act aims to foster the conditions for higher economic productivity.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

1. Target 11.a: Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning.
   • The reform of the NEPA process is a change in national development planning. The infrastructure projects it facilitates, especially in transportation and broadband, are crucial for creating links between different types of communities, particularly benefiting the “rural areas” mentioned in the text.

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

1. Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.
   • By aiming to streamline the permitting process for “energy” infrastructure, the SPEED Act is intended to facilitate the development and expansion of energy systems, which is a necessary step toward ensuring universal access.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

1. Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • The proposed legislation seeks to reform the federal permitting process to make it less “lengthy, costly and redundant.” By setting “clear deadlines” and clarifying procedural rules, the act aims to make the federal agencies involved more effective and accountable in their functions.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

• Total investment in infrastructure: The article explicitly states that counties “invest more than $146 billion annually in our nation’s infrastructure,” providing a direct financial indicator.
• Time and cost of the permitting process: The article describes the current process as “lengthy” and “costly.” Therefore, a reduction in the average time and cost to complete a NEPA review for an infrastructure project would be a key indicator of progress.
• Number of completed infrastructure projects: The goal of the act is to expedite projects. An increase in the number of approved and completed projects in transportation, energy, water, and broadband would be a direct measure of success.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Adherence to review deadlines: The article mentions the bill “sets clear deadlines for completing reviews.” An indicator would be the percentage of environmental reviews completed within these new statutory timeframes.
• Reduction in duplicative reviews: The bill would “allow agencies to use existing environmental reviews… to avoid duplicative reviews.” An indicator would be the number or percentage of projects that successfully utilize this provision, measuring the increase in institutional efficiency.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Rate of local economic growth: Since the act is intended to “support local economies,” tracking economic growth indicators (like GDP or employment rates) in areas with significant new infrastructure projects would be an implied metric.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators’ to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: naco.org