NEPA

The House of Representatives has passed the SPEED Act, a bill designed to expedite the development of AI infrastructure by streamlining permitting processes. This legislation, supported by major tech companies like OpenAI and Microsoft, aims to reform the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) by tightening review timelines and reducing litigation periods. Proponents argue it’s crucial for U.S. competitiveness in AI, while some Democrats oppose it due to an amendment impacting renewable energy projects. The bill now moves to the Senate, where further debate on balancing environmental concerns with technological advancement is expected.

The U.S. House is considering the SPEED Act to streamline AI infrastructure permitting. The bill, supported by tech giants like OpenAI, Meta, and Microsoft, aims to accelerate AI development by reforming environmental review laws. Proponents argue it’s crucial for U.S. competitiveness against China. The legislation faces internal debate over amendments concerning presidential authority and clean energy project revival, with its final passage in the House uncertain.