By Carla J. Sonntag

New Mexico has always been a state that builds. From the energy resources that power our nation to the infrastructure that connects our communities across vast distances, our economic strength depends on our ability to get projects done. Manufacturing alone supports tens of thousands of jobs and contributes billions to the state’s economy each year. Yet too many of these projects are stalled—not because of a lack of investment, but because of America’s broken permitting system.

The SunZia Transmission Line, one of the largest renewable energy projects in American history, is a prime example. It faced years of regulatory delays, overlapping reviews, and litigation before finally moving forward. SunZia will create jobs, strengthen the grid, and help build an all-of-the-above energy portfolio. But it is only one of many critical projects—oil and gas pipelines, wind farms, and additional transmission lines—now navigating a maze of duplicative federal reviews, unclear timelines, and endless legal risks.

Across industries and political parties, there is broad agreement that the permitting system is too slow, unpredictable, and complex. Poor coordination between agencies, duplicative requirements, and excessive litigation drive up costs and stall projects essential to economic growth and national security. According to a new report from the National Association of Manufacturers and the Foundation for American Innovation, these delays cost America’s manufacturers more than $8 billion each year.

For New Mexico, the consequences are immediate and tangible. Energy is the cornerstone of our economy—supporting jobs, funding schools, and sustaining communities. When projects are delayed, we lose jobs, tax revenue, and opportunities to lead in both traditional and emerging energy sectors. Every stalled transmission line keeps renewable energy from reaching consumers. Every delayed oil and gas development constrains supply and raises costs. Every infrastructure project stuck in limbo represents lost economic opportunities for the state and the nation.

That is why Congress must act now and pass H.R. 4776, the SPEED Act. This bipartisan legislation addresses a core failure in the current system: the broken National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. It would streamline approvals, set clear and enforceable timelines, reduce duplicative reviews, and limit excessive litigation that creates costly uncertainty for manufacturers.

The SPEED Act means more than faster paperwork in New Mexico. It means unlocking our full energy potential. It would accelerate projects like SunZia and ensure future wind, solar, and transmission investments do not face the same years-long delays. It would allow responsible oil and gas development to continue supporting jobs and communities. And it would give manufacturers the certainty they need to invest confidently, knowing there is a predictable path forward.

The SPEED Act does not seek shortcuts. It creates an efficient, transparent, and predictable system while preserving strong environmental protections. Manufacturers simply want a process that works—one that keeps pace with global competition.

We rarely see strong bipartisanship in Washington, but there is growing agreement across the aisle that permitting reform is long overdue. The House of Representatives already passed the SPEED Act in December. Now is the time for the Senate to act in 2026 and send comprehensive, bipartisan permitting reform to the president’s desk.

New Mexico cannot afford to wait. Passing the SPEED Act will spur investment in critical infrastructure, strengthen supply chains, and ensure our state—and America’s manufacturers—have the tools needed to create jobs, innovate, and compete.

Carla Sonntag is president and CEO of the New Mexico Business Coalition. The NMBC is a nonpartisan, pro-business organization. They believe a strong economy, job creation, and prosperity for all New Mexicans depend on free enterprise. For more information, you can visit www.nmbizcoalition.org