WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — The House passed legislation aimed at speeding up energy and infrastructure development in rural America. The bill, known as the SPEED Act, is designed to reform the federal permitting process, which supporters say has delayed thousands of projects each year.
Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa has emphasized the need for full passage of the measure, warning that lengthy federal reviews continue to stall critical infrastructure improvements. The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss what the SPEED Act could mean for rural electric cooperatives and the communities they serve.
In an interview with RFD-TV News, Matheson explained why permitting reform is a top priority for electric cooperatives, which provide reliable, affordable power to more than 42 million Americans across 48 states. He said delays in federal permitting can slow down essential upgrades and expansions needed to meet growing energy demand in rural areas.
Matheson noted that the SPEED Act has been years in the making and reflects long-standing concerns from co-ops about regulatory bottlenecks. He also discussed how the legislation would streamline permitting under the National Environmental Policy Actand how it complements the PERMIT Act, which focuses on reducing red tape associated with the Clean Water Act. He emphasized that faster, more predictable permitting could ultimately benefit consumers by lowering costs, improving reliability, and allowing electric cooperatives to invest more quickly in infrastructure improvements.
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.
January 21, 2026 12:03 PM
·
From meatpacking settlements to landmark NEPA rulings, Roger McEowen outlines the top legal developments in 2025 that will shape agriculture in the years ahead.
January 20, 2026 03:39 PM
·
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 02:04 PM
·
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
January 20, 2026 01:14 PM
·
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
January 20, 2026 12:25 PM
·
In a landmark ruling delivered in late 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court significantly narrowed the scope of the National Environmental Policy Act.
January 19, 2026 11:25 AM
·
While short-term volatility remains a risk, softer ocean freight rates in 2026 could improve export margins.
January 18, 2026 12:00 PM
·
RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey speaks with Texas’s Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Vicente Gonzalez about USMCA renegotiation and its impact on U.S.–Mexico agriculture trade.
January 17, 2026 05:00 PM
·
CoBank Knowledge Exchange’s Jeff Johnston shares the group’s positive perspective on expanding data centers into rural areas and weighs the risks and rewards for those communities.
January 16, 2026 01:44 PM
·
