OPINION:
America’s economy is evolving faster than at any point in modern history.
Artificial intelligence is transforming how businesses operate. Supply chains are becoming more complex and more digital. Advanced manufacturing is reshaping where and how products are made. And across every sector, the speed of innovation is accelerating.
But while our economy is moving forward at a rapid pace, too much of our transportation infrastructure is still playing catch-up. If we want to remain globally competitive, we need transportation systems that are built for the demands of the next generation of growth.
Transportation has always been foundational to American prosperity. It connects workers to jobs, businesses to markets and communities to opportunity. But the nature of mobility is changing.
Today’s economy depends on real-time logistics, reliable freight movement, and seamless connectivity between regions. Delays cost time, ripple through supply chains, increase costs for families, and weaken our competitive edge.
At the same time, infrastructure demands are growing. More goods are moving. More data is flowing. New technologies, from automation to AI, are placing greater pressure on the systems that move both people and products.
Modern mobility requires modern infrastructure.
We often talk about infrastructure in terms of federal investment. But increasingly, the biggest obstacle isn’t a lack of investment; it’s the time it takes to get projects approved and built.
According to S&P Global, it can take nearly 29 years to bring a mine online in the United States. Transportation projects face similar challenges. Lengthy permitting processes, duplicative reviews, and regulatory uncertainty can stall critical transportation projects for years. That delay comes at a cost. It raises project expenses, discourages investment and prevents communities from getting the infrastructure they need.
Recent updates to federal environmental review procedures are a welcome step toward addressing these challenges. By streamlining processes and reducing unnecessary duplication, we can begin to move projects forward more efficiently.
But broader reform is still needed.
Permitting reform is the building block that unlocks infrastructure investment and accelerates project delivery. We cannot expect to move at the speed of modern innovation while relying on outdated regulatory systems that delay projects for years and drive-up costs before construction even begins.
That’s why I was proud to co-sponsor the SPEED Act, which focuses on improving the efficiency, transparency, and predictability of the permitting process. The goal is not to eliminate environmental safeguards, but to ensure they function as intended without becoming indefinite barriers to progress. Passing this bipartisan legislation is paramount if America is serious about building world-class transportation and energy infrastructure.
Getting the federal government out of the way allows for more rapid innovation cycles.
Earlier this year, the House passed my Airport Regulatory Relief Act of 2025, which addresses a clear mismatch in federal requirements. In many parts of the country, small airports are essential to everyday life. They connect communities to medical care, commerce and basic services that are not otherwise accessible by a road system. But under current rules, these airports are often required to meet the same pavement standards as major international hubs. That approach increases costs and slows down critical improvements.
My legislation allows states to apply proven, cost-effective standards for certain smaller airport projects, while maintaining federal oversight to ensure safety. It’s a commonsense fix that will help projects move faster, reduce costs, and keep communities connected. Importantly, it demonstrates what’s possible when we take a practical approach to reform.
The challenge ahead is not maintaining what we have, it’s building for America’s future. That means investing in infrastructure that can handle increased freight demand, support emerging industries and connect both urban and rural communities more effectively.
It also means recognizing that transportation is not a standalone system. It is part of a broader economic framework that includes energy, technology, and workforce development. When those pieces are aligned, the results are powerful: lower costs, stronger supply chains and more opportunity for American workers and businesses.
America has always risen to lead during times of change. Today, we face another such moment.
We can continue to rely on outdated processes and infrastructure that struggle to keep pace, or we can modernize, streamline and build systems that prepare us for the future.
The path forward is clear. We need smarter policies, faster project delivery and a renewed commitment to building the infrastructure that powers American growth. In the end, transportation is the foundation of economic opportunity and the key to staying competitive in the century ahead.
If America is going to lead, we must continue to build and modernize our transportation systems, and the foundation for accomplishing that at the speed of the modern economy is permitting reform.
• Rep. Nick Begich was sworn into Congress on Jan. 3, 2025. Nick’s goal in Congress is to make sure Alaskans succeed. He is a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, where he serves as vice chair of the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.