Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Gary Palmer, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, have announced an upcoming hearing focused on permitting reform under the Clean Air Act. The hearing is titled “From Gridlock to Growth: Permitting Reform Under the Clean Air Act” and will take place on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET in Room 2123 of the Rayburn House Office Building.
According to Chairmen Guthrie and Palmer, “Red tape and burdensome permitting requirements are stifling U.S. economic growth and sending American jobs overseas. In order to secure our critical infrastructure and onshore American jobs, our Subcommittee will hold a hearing to examine outdated and ineffective regulations that are disconnected from the goals of the Clean Air Act. Earlier in this Congress, our committee began important work on permitting reform and will continue that work in this hearing that will offer our members the chance to address these critical permitting issues that have limited growth and limit innovation. The Committee will take up legislation with common sense solutions that reduce unreasonable regulatory burdens while continuing to protect our environment.”
The session will review several legislative proposals including H.R. 161 (New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act), as well as draft bills such as the Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act, Reducing and Eliminating Duplicative Environmental Regulations (RED Tape) Act, Foreign Emissions and Nonattainment Clarification for Economic Stability (FENCES) Act, and Air Permitting Improvements to Protect National Security Act.
The hearing is open to both the public and press. It will also be available via livestream at energycommerce.house.gov.
Questions about the hearing can be directed to Jackson Rudden with Committee staff or Ben Mullany for press inquiries.
