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Committee approves resolution urging federal permitting reform to speed energy and infrastructure projects
Summary
A concurrent resolution urging Congress and federal agencies to improve timelines and coordination for federal permits — particularly for transmission lines, rail, and reforestation projects — received unanimous committee support after agency directors described multi-year permitting delays.
The committee unanimously recommended House Concurrent Resolution 5, a nonbinding resolution urging federal permitting reform to reduce delays for energy, transportation and land‑management projects that state officials say have taken years to secure federal approvals.
Representative Ballard presented the resolution and was joined by Joel Ferry, executive director of the state Department of Natural Resources, and Harry Hansen, deputy director of the Office of Energy Development. Ferry and Hansen gave examples of long federal review timelines, including one transmission corridor that took nearly 15 years and the Uinta Basin Railway project, which state officials said has faced protracted permitting delays. "Far too often we find ourselves mired down in endless bureaucracy," Ferry said, and the testimony called for clearer deadlines, streamlined processes and better interagency coordination.
Committee members asked whether the resolution is intended for federal policymakers; the sponsor confirmed the resolution is a concurrent resolution aimed at prompting congressional and federal executive-branch action and does not create binding state law. Representative Miller noted the resolution does not target a single federal agency but seeks improved responsiveness and accountability across agencies.
Representative Jack moved to favorably recommend the resolution; the committee approved the motion unanimously.
Votes at a glance: HCR 5 — motion to favorably recommend a concurrent resolution on permitting reform (mover: Representative Jack); committee approved unanimously.
