(The Center Square) – Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry delivered testimony before the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, calling for sweeping reforms to streamline federal infrastructure processes.
Landry argued that excessive bureaucracy stymies critical projects and urged Congress to eliminate regulatory barriers, implement “one federal decision” policies, and expedite environmental reviews.
“The mandate is clear,” Landry said. “It is time we eliminate the regulatory barriers, streamline permitting, and truly implement the one federal decision process.”
Landry emphasized that the current environmental review framework often delays essential projects, even for straightforward replacements such as aging bridges.
When the Louisiana Capital Area Road and Bridge District committee met in December to present updates on the major bridge projects in the Capital area, the exhaustive and tedious process of environmental review had even committee members needing clarification.
NEPA, enacted in 1970, requires comprehensive environmental reviews for major federal projects. While its intent is laudable — protecting ecosystems and ensuring public transparency — the process is cumbersome by design.
Geotechnical studies, wetland and cultural resource assessments, findings of no significant impact, phases one, two, three, four and five — and that’s just “pre-NEPA” requirements. The formal NEPA process won’t begin until spring.
Then the Environmental Protection Agency has to review much of the project.
Landry’s sentiments were echoed by industry experts and state officials. During the hearing, U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., and Seth Schulgen of Williams Brothers Construction discussed the benefits of “NEPA assignment” — a process allowing states to assume federal responsibilities for environmental reviews.
Schulgen noted that in Texas, this approach reduced review times from 36 months to 16 months, enabling faster project delivery and cost savings.
“Predictability in the process benefits not only state DOTs but also the contractor community,” Schulgen said.
Barry Keeling, the Deputy Secretary of Louisiana’s Department of Transportation and Development, reflected on Governor Landry’s testimony, emphasizing the cumbersome nature of current federal processes.
Keeling cited the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program as an example of underutilized federal funding due to bureaucratic hurdles. While TIFIA offers favorable loan terms, Keeling explained that its lengthy approval process often deters participation.
“The process could take years, with extensive back-and-forth reviews,” Keeling said, advocating for more efficient procedures, including in-person meetings to resolve issues swiftly.
Landry called on Congress to empower states, simplify permitting, and invest strategically in projects that would benefit the entire country.
“Without investment in roads, bridges, and ports, the supply chain falters, manufacturers slow, and consumers face delays,” Landry concluded. “Let’s find a way to move this country back on track.”
