WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Efforts are moving forward in Congress to advance domestic energy development, with the House set to vote on the SPEED Act. The legislation aims to reform the National Environmental Policy Act and streamline the federal permitting process for energy and infrastructure projects.
House Natural Resources Committee Chair Congressman, Rep. Bruce Westerman of Arkansas, joined us for this week’s Champions of Rural America to discuss the proposal and its potential impact on rural communities and agriculture.
In his conversation with RFD-TV News, Westerman highlighted that the SPEED Act passed out of committee on November 20 by a 25–18 vote. He explained that the legislation is designed to better support rural America and assist U.S. farmers by reducing delays in the permitting process. He also discussed his work with the Trump administration to expand domestic energy production and how the SPEED Act fits into those broader efforts.
Westerman addressed recent updates from the Environmental Protection Agency regarding what qualifies as Waters of the U.S. for dredge-and-fill permits under the Clean Water Act. He also discussed how the PERMIT Act would further modify Clean Water Act permitting and what those changes could mean for farmers.
He concluded by outlining the key takeaways from both the SPEED Act and the PERMIT Act that he believes western and rural Americans should keep in mind as Congress considers the legislation.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joins us to provide an updated analysis of projected ARC and PLC payments and potential delays due to the ongoing government shutdown.
October 03, 2025 11:02 AM
·
Dr. Beetham outlined the background of the EU’s decision to modernize seed regulations and where the process stands today, and its impact on global agriculture and food security.
October 02, 2025 01:24 PM
·
“It, all of a sudden, says that tracking and fighting hunger is not a priority, apparently, at the federal level.”
October 02, 2025 01:22 PM
·
October 02, 2025 12:59 PM
·
Colin Reilly with Connected Nation joined RFD-TV News to explain how the tool works and why it’s an important step in bridging the digital divide.
October 02, 2025 12:32 PM
·
Jeremy Kelly explains how Darling Ingredients’ mission aligns with FFA’s values and why investing in future ag leaders is so important.
October 02, 2025 12:20 PM
·
In a final rule published in the Federal Register, the Department states that it will no longer base wage rates on the Farm Labor Survey.
October 02, 2025 11:20 AM
·
Farmers are in the midst of harvest as the government descends into a shutdown and the Farm Bill expires. Key federal departments, crop reporting, and aid programs important to the agricultural sector are now on hold.
October 02, 2025 10:54 AM
·
Trump’s upcoming talks raise hopes for U.S. soybeans, but China’s record purchases from Brazil and Argentina show America’s market share remains under heavy pressure.
October 02, 2025 10:27 AM
·
