Ohio House Passes Rep. Lear's Resolution Urging Federal Permitting Reform to Accelerate Energy Infrastructure Development

COLUMBUS – State Representative Beth Lear (R-Galena) today announced the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Concurrent Resolution 35, legislation urging Congress to reform federal permitting and environmental review processes to speed up the development of energy infrastructure nationwide.

The resolution highlights concerns that federal permitting laws, including NEPA, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act, have created lengthy and complex review processes that can delay critical energy infrastructure projects. 

“Modernizing our federal permitting system is essential to speeding up the construction of critical energy infrastructure and strengthening our electric grid,” Rep. Lear said. “These reforms will help lower costs for families and businesses, improve reliability, and ensure the United States can meet growing energy demand while maintaining strong environmental protections.”

The resolution emphasizes that these changes are needed to support a more reliable and affordable energy system as electricity demand continues to grow, strengthen the nation’s energy grid, and reduce reliance on foreign sources of critical minerals. It also highlights concerns that current delays in permitting and review processes are slowing infrastructure development, increasing costs for consumers and businesses, and limiting the United States’ energy security and economic competitiveness.

"Government produces too much bureaucratic red tape,” said Rep. Lear. “It's time to do what's best for our citizens and speed up energy production.”

The resolution now heads to the Senate for consideration.