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S 1894119th CongressIn Committee
SPEED Act
Introduced: May 22, 2025
Environment & ClimateInfrastructure
Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs
The SPEED Act, introduced in the Senate, would amend MAP-21 to expand the range of highway projects that can qualify for a categorical exclusion from full environmental review. Specifically, it doubles the cost thresholds used to determine eligibility for this streamlined review process. By letting more “projects of limited Federal assistance” proceed without a full environmental assessment or impact statement, the bill aims to speed up project delivery and reduce administrative burdens. The change could shorten timelines and lower upfront costs for small- to mid‑sized infrastructure projects, but it also increases the number of projects that receive less environmental scrutiny.
Key Points
- 1The bill’s short title: the Small Projects Expedited Execution and Delivery Act, or the SPEED Act.
- 2What it changes: It amends MAP-21 to modify the categorical exclusion provisions for projects of limited Federal assistance.
- 3Specific threshold changes (MAP-21 Section 1317(1)):
- 4- Subparagraph (A): cost threshold increases from $6,000,000 to $12,000,000.
- 5- Subparagraph (B): cost threshold increases from $35,000,000 to $70,000,000.
- 6Effect of the change: More projects will qualify for a categorical exclusion, meaning they can avoid the more formal environmental review process.
- 7Overall purpose: To expedite the delivery of smaller highway projects by broadening eligibility for streamlined review, while still operating within the framework of federal environmental laws.
Impact Areas
Primary group/area affected: State Departments of Transportation and local project sponsors administering highway and related infrastructure projects that fall under federal assistance.Secondary group/area affected: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and other federal agencies involved in NEPA process administration; potential impacts on environmental review timelines and resource allocations.Additional impacts:- Potentially faster project delivery and reduced development costs for qualifying projects.- Increased reliance on categorical exclusions could reduce the scope of environmental analysis for more projects, which may raise concerns among environmental advocates and affected communities about oversight and potential ecological or community trade-offs.
Generated by gpt-5-nano on Oct 7, 2025