WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), joined by Senators Jim Risch (R-ID) and Mike Crapo (R-ID), has introduced the REPAIR Act — a legislative effort aimed at safeguarding America’s energy, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure projects from being delayed or derailed by what the senators describe as frivolous lawsuits.
The bill, formally titled the Revising and Enhancing Project Authorizations Impacted by Review (REPAIR) Act, seeks to overhaul the judicial review process that often stalls major development projects, particularly in the energy sector.
“Green activist groups have a pattern. They manipulate the legal system to keep infrastructure and energy projects in legal purgatory,” said Sen. Cassidy. “Let’s end this and get the project moving again. It’s the only way to unleash American energy!”
Key Provisions of the REPAIR Act
- Unified Review Process: Establishes a consistent judicial process across all permit-related laws, standardizing the rules for legal standing, scope of adjudication, and statute of limitations.
- NEPA Reform: Removes the ability to sue under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), instead requiring legal challenges to be based on the specific statute under which a permit was granted.
- Mediation Option: Creates a mediation process in cases of judicial remand, enabling developers and permitting agencies to resolve legal disputes more efficiently and keep projects on track.
- Increased Transparency: Enhances visibility into court cases that delay projects, shining a light on lawsuits that hinder progress and economic development.
Industry Backing
The legislation has already garnered support from several high-profile organizations, including:
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- American Petroleum Institute
- ClearPath
- National Mining Association
- Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES)
“The REPAIR Act would reduce the threat of frivolous lawsuits during the permitting and review process for new projects that can tie up proposals for years,” said Sen. Crapo. “Advancing this bill is an important step in furthering President Trump’s domestic energy agenda.”
Regional Impact
For Louisiana and other energy-producing states, the REPAIR Act could be a catalyst for growth in offshore energy development, natural gas infrastructure, and critical mineral extraction. By streamlining the legal challenges often associated with NEPA reviews and permitting delays, the act aims to foster a more efficient environment for large-scale projects vital to energy independence and economic competitiveness.
“This bill is about securing America’s energy future,” Cassidy added. “It’s about making sure we can move forward with projects that create jobs, strengthen infrastructure, and reduce our reliance on foreign adversaries.”
The REPAIR Act enters Congress at a time when energy policy and domestic production are top priorities for many lawmakers and industry leaders. If passed, the bill could fundamentally reshape how legal disputes over energy and infrastructure permitting are handled nationwide.