The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill on Wednesday that would eliminate the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) authority to review federal projects for environmental compliance, a move supporters say will accelerate infrastructure development but critics warn could weaken safeguards.
The legislation, which passed largely along party lines, would remove a key step in the federal approval process that currently requires the EPA to assess potential pollution impacts under laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. Proponents argue the change will reduce bureaucratic delays for roads, pipelines, and energy projects.
‘This is about cutting red tape that’s been holding back American infrastructure for decades,’ said one congressional aide familiar with the bill, speaking on condition of anonymity. ‘The EPA review process has become a tool for activists to block projects indefinitely.’
Environmental analysts note the bill would mark a significant shift in how federal projects are evaluated. ‘Since the 1970s, EPA review has served as a critical check on projects that could harm air quality or water resources,’ said a policy expert at a nonpartisan think tank. ‘Removing this layer could lead to faster approvals but also greater environmental risks.’
The bill now moves to the Senate, where its prospects remain uncertain. Observers suggest the legislation could face legal challenges if passed, as courts have previously upheld EPA’s oversight role under existing environmental laws.