Opinion: America Cannot Build Its Way Forward Without Permitting Reform

May 15, 2026

The U.S. is spending more today on infrastructure and energy than it has in decades, yet our country is building less. The disconnect is not for a lack of capital or labor or even big ideas. Instead, we are stuck in a self-inflicted permitting crisis that continues to delay infrastructure improvements, sideline manufacturing investment, weaken economic competitiveness, and jeopardize national security.

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