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.
Kate Walker has the story, highlighting how students are learning to protect and preserve natural resources while gaining valuable technical and teamwork skills.
November 10, 2025 12:40 PM
·
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on what the bill could mean for truckers.
November 10, 2025 11:46 AM
·
The DOJ’s new antitrust probe could reshape beef-packer behavior, with potential impacts on fed-cattle prices, processor margins, and long-term competition across the supply chain.
November 10, 2025 10:35 AM
·
Congressman Blake Moore of Utah discusses the bill’s potential to promote both economic growth and healthier forests on this week’s Champions of Rural America.
November 07, 2025 01:36 PM
·
Mike Newland with the Propane Education & Research Council shares how producers can prepare for winter weather and the benefits of propane.
November 07, 2025 12:03 PM
·
Verified U.S. data show real leather’s carbon footprint is lower than advertised — an edge for the American cattle industry in both marketing and byproduct value.
November 07, 2025 11:32 AM
·
Tight cattle supplies keep prices high for ranchers, but policy shifts, export barriers, and packer losses signal a volatile road ahead for the beef supply chain.
November 07, 2025 11:02 AM
·
Distillers dried grains (DDG) values follow corn and soybean meal trends, with ethanol grind and feed demand shaping costs into early 2026.
November 07, 2025 10:45 AM
·
Recognizing phosphorus and potash as critical minerals underscores their importance in crop production and food security, providing producers with an added layer of risk protection.
November 06, 2025 03:40 PM
·
