OPINION: Nevada NEEDS Action on Permitting Reform Before August Recess

Nevada’s economy keeps growing, but infrastructure is not keeping pace with energy demand and population growth. We need more power generation, transmission, and, of course, housing. Permitting reform is something we’ve been asking Congress to do for a long time. They are considering the SPEED Act, a bipartisan effort that can accelerate construction projects by streamlining reviews while preserving environmental protections. But they need to move on it, and move on it before the August recess.

Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto understands the state’s infrastructure needs, which is why she is co-sponsoring the FREEDOM Act. This bill, similar to the SPEED Act, streamlines energy permitting and protects.

Housing remains a top issue in Nevada, yet we cannot build enough homes if utility infrastructure continues to lag. The state faces an estimated shortage of more than 70,000 housing units overall. In particular, Nevada is short roughly 78,000 affordable rental homes, with only 16 affordable and available units for every 100 low-income households. At the same time, utilities are planning for significant new electricity demand as the state competes for advanced manufacturing and AI investments.

If critical projects remain tied up for years in unnecessary and duplicative reviews and permitting delays, Nevada will not meet its urgent infrastructure needs. Congress can speed up approvals by cutting unnecessary red tape while preserving environmental protections. No more delays. It is time to pass meaningful permitting reform before the August recess.

~Angel Lopez is a builder and member of the Hispanic Chamber in Nevada