Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis published an op-ed in the Washington Post on Apr. 8, urging Congress to address what she describes as a broken permitting system that is hindering economic growth and costing the United States trillions of dollars.
Lummis said the lengthy and uncertain process for obtaining permits is affecting industries in Wyoming and across the country. She argued that delays in bringing new mines online—an average of almost 29 years—are stalling investment and job creation, while other countries like China have advanced more quickly.
“Natural resources are one of America’s greatest strengths. Gas, coal, rare earth elements, liquid natural gas and crude oil exports have powered the nation’s economy, helped put food on the table for generations of families, and aided allies in times of great need. So, it’s maddening to watch a broken permitting system stand between the United States and so much more,” Lummis wrote.
She criticized policy reversals by recent Democratic administrations regarding energy projects such as oil leases in Alaska and coal leasing in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin. “The last two Democratic presidents slow-walked and killed traditional energy projects while green-lighting questionable renewable energy deals,” Lummis said. She added that reversing some decisions required congressional action.
Lummis cited TerraPower’s proposed nuclear reactor project in Kemmerer, Wyoming as an example where regulatory changes under President Donald Trump reduced review times without compromising safety standards. “Congress should lock in the positive changes under Trump that give projects the certainty they need to move forward and invest in communities,” she said.
According to Lummis’ official website, she grew up on a cattle ranch in Laramie County with her siblings before earning degrees in animal science, biology, and law from the University of Wyoming. Her career includes service as state treasurer, roles supporting state government lands management, terms representing Wyoming both at home and nationally—including as a founding member of the House Freedom Caucus—and championing responsible federal budgeting along with stewardship of public lands. The official website also notes her advocacy for multiple-use public lands management and prioritizing Wyoming’s energy sector throughout her tenure.
In closing her op-ed, Lummis called on Senate leaders from both parties to deliver bipartisan legislation: “Fixing permitting isn’t a choice between the environment and the economy. America can protect both. The current system protects neither and hurts everyone.”
