Opinion: Permitting reform is the secret key to unlock our energy potential
By Rep. Carl Albrecht
Guest Opinion, Deseret News
Published November 23, 2025
Utah’s energy industry plays an important role in the state’s economy, but permitting delays can slow the development of energy and infrastructure projects. In this guest opinion, Rep. Carl Albrecht discusses the need for comprehensive federal permitting reform to help Utah develop its energy resources and support economic growth.
Albrecht highlights Utah’s role as an energy producer in the Rocky Mountain region, noting the state’s oil and natural gas production, reliance on natural gas for home heating and use of coal for electricity generation. He argues that reliable transportation and energy infrastructure are important for maintaining access to affordable energy and supporting Utah’s economy.
The article focuses on the challenges created by the federal permitting process, particularly the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Albrecht argues that lengthy environmental reviews and subsequent litigation can delay energy and infrastructure projects for years. He cites the Uinta Basin Railway as a Utah example and discusses the project’s long-running regulatory and legal challenges.
Albrecht also highlights the role of Utah’s congressional delegation in pursuing permitting reform, pointing to efforts by Sens. Mike Lee and John Curtis to streamline federal regulations. He specifically discusses Lee’s UNSHACKLE Act and Curtis’ support for federal permitting reform, as well as Utah’s Operation Gigawatt initiative to advance geothermal, nuclear and hydrogen energy development.
The article also points to the need to reform other federal environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act, arguing that comprehensive permitting reform should address railways, energy projects and electricity grid development rather than focusing solely on NEPA.
Albrecht argues that reducing unnecessary permitting delays could help Utah expand its energy production, support workers and businesses, increase infrastructure development and strengthen the state’s economy.
“Congress must act and pass comprehensive permitting reform to fix unending NEPA delays to railways, all varieties of energy projects, and grid development projects that protect our national energy dominance and security.”
The article concludes by calling on Utah’s congressional delegation to support bipartisan permitting legislation, including the proposed SPEED Act, which Albrecht argues would help unlock Utah’s energy potential and build on recent federal energy policy changes.
Read the full opinion at Deseret News:
Opinion: Permitting reform is the secret key to unlock our energy potential
Originally published by Deseret News on November 23, 2025. Written by Rep. Carl Albrecht, a member of the Utah House of Representatives who serves on the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Appropriations Subcommittee; House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee; House Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee; Federalism Commission; and Legislative Water Development Commission.