WASHINGTON, March 9—Associated Builders and Contractors released the following statement applauding Sen. Mike Lee (R - Utah) for introducing the UNSHACKLE Act, along with several other pieces of legislation, today to improve and modernize the federal permitting process under the National Environmental Policy Act.

“Investment in infrastructure projects will encourage much-needed economic growth, but the federal environmental review and permitting process must be modernized before this investment begins,” said Ben Brubeck, ABC vice president of regulatory, labor and state affairs. “Modernizing the federal permitting process is a bipartisan issue, as both sides of the aisle have long identified the need for faster, more efficient permitting. Simultaneously adopting permit streamlining policies and an infrastructure bill would reduce delays and improve the predictability of the process, which would allow businesses to confidently plan and invest, enhance economic productivity and boost environmental stewardship.”

On March 2, ABC joined dozens of members of the Unlock American Investment Coalition in calling on Congress to improve and modernize the federal permitting process under NEPA. Additionally, ABC and several other organizations submitted comments in support of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s proposed revisions to its regulations implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA.