The BUILDER Act
The Building U.S. Infrastructure through Limited Delays & Efficient Reviews (BUILDER) Act (H.R. 2515) modernizes the outdated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to make infrastructure project reviews more efficient, reduce project costs, spur economic recovery, and rebuild America.
An efficient NEPA process is important to moving many infrastructure projects forward while ensuring protections to our environment. Unfortunately, this process has grown lengthy and burdensome. These reviews can drag out for years, and sometimes decades… all without actually providing any additional environmental benefits. And these project delays come at a cost – $3.7 trillion dollars in foregone economic gains. In contrast, countries including Canada, Australia, and Germany can complete project reviews in far less time than the U.S., and with greater environmental results.
Because the BUILDER Act provides for a more efficient, timely, and effective NEPA process, it will reduce costs associated with project delays and unnecessary litigation. Moving infrastructure projects from conception to completion faster will have a similar impact as providing more funding, while still accomplishing the original environmental goals of NEPA.
Not only that, more efficient project reviews mean a more efficient transportation system, and that’s good for the environment. By some estimates, Americans waste over 3 billion gallons of gas every year stuck in traffic. Reducing congestion, wasted fuel, and emissions is a win across the board for the environment, families, businesses, and the overall economy.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA) and is cosponsored by Members of House Republican leadership and a number of Republican committee leaders and rank and file Members, including Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO).
Text of the BUILDER Act
Press release on introduction of the BUILDER Act
What They Are Saying
