Oklahoma Delegation Supports House Passage of PERMIT Act
All Oklahoma Representatives Back H.R. 3898
When the House passed a bill to improve and speed up permitting for energy projects, it had the support of the entire Oklahoma delegation.
Reps. Stephanie Bice, Josh Brecheen, Tom Cole, Kevin Hern and Frank Lucas were among the 221 House members who supported H.R. 3898, the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act. Only 205 opposed the measure that seeks to reduce red tape, streamline permitting, and provide regulatory certainty while continuing to protect the nation’s clean water.
Rep. Bice Highlights Faster Permitting for Energy Projects
Rep. Bice had spoken in support of H.R. 3898 because of its intent to allow faster permits for oil, gas and transmission lines and empowering private resource development. The measure also limits EPA veto power and creates online portals for federal permits.
The legislation eliminates duplicative and costly Clean Water Act permit requirements that do not improve environmental safety but slow critical public-health work.
Republican Leaders Applaud the Legislation
House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) responded upon passage.
“The American people know that endless, duplicative red tape doesn’t clean a single drop of water; it just wastes taxpayer dollars. The PERMIT Act ends this bureaucratic insanity, streamlining the process while safeguarding our most precious resource.”
Jeff Hurd (CO-03), vice-chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, said the measure will help his state and others.
“Delays in permit approvals are stalling key infrastructure projects in Colorado and across the nation. My bill requires the Army Corps to clear this backlog so communities can get moving on critical projects without unnecessary delays.”
Others said the PERMIT Act will mean a “brighter future for the mining industry” and slashes unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles while accelerating permitting processes for essential infrastructure projects.