Springfield Chamber Supports Bipartisan Federal Permitting Reform

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce has joined a national coalition urging the United States Senate to advance bipartisan, comprehensive permitting reform as early as possible in 2026.

Led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and supported by chambers and business organizations across the country, the coalition letter calls on the Senate to build on recent momentum in the U.S. House of Representatives, which passed several permitting reform measures at the end of 2025. Together, these efforts reflect a growing bipartisan understanding: the federal permitting system is outdated, inefficient, and in need of modernization.

For communities like Springfield, reforming this process is not an abstract federal debate. It is a practical economic priority that affects the pace of local investment, infrastructure development, and business growth.

“A more efficient permitting process will empower communities and businesses to invest in projects that grow the economy, create good-paying jobs, and improve quality of life.”

– Paige Walters, Senior Director, Advocacy & Economic Development, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce

Why permitting reform matters for Springfield
Federal permitting plays a major role in determining how quickly critical projects can move forward. When the process becomes overly lengthy or unpredictable, the consequences are real: rising project costs, delayed construction timelines, and reduced certainty for private investment.

In Springfield, these delays can slow progress on the infrastructure improvements our employers and residents rely on every day, including transportation upgrades, utility modernization, broadband expansion, and the energy capacity needed to support a growing regional economy.

When essential projects are stalled, businesses face greater barriers to expansion and hiring. Communities lose valuable opportunities to attract new employers, strengthen workforce growth, and remain competitive in a rapidly changing economic landscape.

Modernizing the federal permitting system is a meaningful step toward ensuring Springfield can continue building the infrastructure necessary to support long-term prosperity.

A National Call for Action
In the letter to the Senate, coalition partners emphasized the urgency of enacting durable reforms that provide greater transparency, predictability, and efficiency in federal permitting.

Communities across America are ready to invest in the next generation of infrastructure, from safer roads and modern drinking water systems to affordable energy and expanded high-speed internet access. But too often, outdated permitting systems stand in the way, driving up costs and postponing benefits that families and businesses need now.

The coalition noted that delays increase the financial burden of construction, particularly in an environment of inflation and rising labor and material costs. Improving permitting processes will help unlock economic growth while ensuring communities can deliver the infrastructure needed to meet today’s challenges.

The Chamber’s Commitment
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce remains steadfast in advocating for policies that support a strong business climate and sustainable economic development. Permitting reform is an important part of that work.

By supporting bipartisan federal action, the Chamber is helping elevate Springfield’s voice in a national effort to create a permitting system that matches the scale of our community’s ambition and the urgency of today’s infrastructure needs.

Our businesses are ready to invest. Our community is ready to build. We urge Congress to deliver the modern, efficient permitting process that will help move projects forward and strengthen opportunity for Springfield’s future.

READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE COALITION LETTER HERE