U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, who chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led a hearing in Washington, D.C., focused on federal environmental review and permitting processes. In her opening statement, Capito emphasized the need for bipartisan reforms to improve predictability and fairness in permitting across sectors of the U.S. economy.
Capito addressed her colleagues directly, thanking them for their engagement. “I would like to begin by thanking my colleagues who are here with me, and in particular Ranking Member Whitehouse, for their drive to elevate problems in our current permitting regime and to work constructively together. It’s what we need to do.”
She noted ongoing challenges with the current system: "Over the past year, we have all discussed how the existing structure pits uncertainty and the misapplication and abuse of our laws, against American prosperity. We have had fruitful discussions, yet we are now a year older. This is sometimes the never-ending story on permitting, but we’re going to get an end to that story, I hope. And we are still seeking common ground on practical and durable solutions."
Capito outlined potential benefits if Congress acts: "If Congress can deliver these critical solutions, we will unleash the investment required to build American infrastructure, unlock the supply of essential commodities and materials, grow our manufacturing, improve affordability by lowering prices, and create economic opportunity across our entire country."
She also warned of continued instability without legislative action: "Without Congressional action, we will continue to see the pattern of the last two decades. Each new administration will reverse the policies of the last, eroding trust of American businesses and workers and ensuring we cannot plan or build for either the present or for our future."
Capito pointed out real-world consequences from delayed or canceled projects due to policy changes between administrations: "This is not just speculation. We have all had communities we represent impacted by projects that were delayed or outright canceled by new administrations. I know West Virginia families have experienced this deep disappointment on multiple occasions."
Calling for bipartisan cooperation free from political influence over permitting decisions she said: "So, I say to all my colleagues today: I know your pain, all the way around, and I want Congress to address it now. Let’s remove the politics from permitting once and for all."
Capito stated that any reform legislation should be bipartisan; project-neutral; provide predictability; ensure accountability at every stage; go beyond NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act); include provisions about judicial review; and be written collaboratively with relevant committees.
She expressed optimism about finding common ground among lawmakers after listening closely over recent months: "I think our goals share more in common than most would admit... This growing consensus demands action now or we are likely to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Referring to recent House activity she added: "The House acted last month by passing bipartisan reforms to NEPA and the Clean Water Act. It is now time for the Senate to act..."
Witnesses at today's hearing were invited both to highlight urgent needs for reform within 2026 as well as provide perspectives on which policy changes could best address national economic pressures.
"I look forward to making progress with all of you and hearing your insights," Capito concluded.
