Bill · S. 4765· Senate(119-S-4765)
Let America Build Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 6/11/2026
- Last activity
- 6/11/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text: CR S2759-2766)
- Sponsored by
- John Barrasso
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Let America Build Act of 2026" aims to speed up energy development and reform permitting processes for oil, gas, and minerals. It limits the ability of courts to cancel leases and shortens timelines for environmental reviews and protests. The bill delegates certain permitting authorities to states and restricts the Federal Government's role in regulating hydraulic fracturing where state rules exist. It also streamlines liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and modifies how the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) evaluates environmental effects. Finally, it creates new rules for mineral exploration and establishes an Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund.
Yes· 3 of 20
Does this leave more decisions to the states?+8
It allows states to apply for exclusive authority to issue drilling permits and defers to state hydraulic fracturing rules.
Would business owners be better off under this?+7
Significantly reduces regulatory burdens and timelines for energy and mining companies.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+6
Brings direct investment and employment opportunities to rural areas where energy resources are located.
The opposite· 3 of 8
Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced?-9
The bill is specifically designed to increase oil, gas, and coal production through permitting reform.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-8
It limits the scope of NEPA reviews, shortens protest windows, and restricts the ability of courts to vacate lease sales.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?-7
The bill accelerates fossil fuel extraction and excludes downstream greenhouse gas emissions from environmental reviews.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Faster LNG Export Approvals: The Secretary of Energy must issue final decisions on covered LNG export applications within 45 days of the conclusion of environmental reviews, which may speed up energy exports (Section 1301(b)).
- Simplified Small Scale LNG Access: Certain LNG exportations (up to 51.75 billion cubic feet per year) and exports to nations with free trade agreements are deemed consistent with the public interest and granted without delay (Section 1302(c)(1)).
- State-Led Permitting: States can apply for exclusive authority to issue drilling permits and approve drilling plans on available Federal land, potentially making the process more local and efficient (Section 1201(b)(1)).
- Support for Mine Cleanup: The bill establishes an Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund to carry out activities related to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Section 2006(f)(2)).
- Increased Public Transparency: The Commission must track and make public the schedules, required actions, and points of contact for natural gas project authorizations on its website (Section 3003(g)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Reduced Environmental Review: If the Secretary denies a protest to a lease sale, that lease is not subject to further environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Section 1101(a)(1)).
- Limited Legal Challenges: Lawsuits contesting oil and gas lease decisions must be filed within 60 days, which limits the time people have to challenge these actions in court (Section 1101(a)(4)).
- Reduced Court Power to Stop Projects: Courts cannot vacate lease sales even if environmental reviews are found to be in violation; they must instead remand the matter to the Secretary (Section 1101(a)(2)).
- Narrower Definition of Environmental Effects: The bill limits "effects" to physical changes that are reasonably foreseeable, not remote, and not the product of a lengthy causal chain, and explicitly excludes upstream or downstream emissions (Section 3001(g)(1)).
- Restriction on Land Designations: Heads of Federal land management agencies are prohibited from creating new categories of Federal land designations unless authorized by statute (Section 2003).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+7Good For Rural Residents+6Good For Billionaires+5Good For High Net Worth Individuals+5Good For Ultra High Net Worth Individuals+5Good For Union Workers+5Good For Farmers+3Good For Low Income Households+2Good For Middle Class Households+2Good For Children-3Good For Native Americans-2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+4Reduces Gas Prices+4Reduces Fossil Fuel Production-9Improves Environmental Protections-8Reduces Carbon Emissions-7Improves Public Land Management-4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+5Increases Job Creation+4Improves Small Business Support+3Reduces Inflation+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Trade+6Improves International Alliances+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights+8Improves Government Transparency+3Improves Interstate Commerce+3Increases Federal Power-6Improves Due Process-5
- 6/11/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text: CR S2759-2766)
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Cynthia LummisRepublican · Wyoming