Community Vision for Permitting Reform

The proposed Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 (BAAJA) would make significant changes to federal environmental permitting processes, including protections under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Water Act, and other environmental laws. These changes could weaken environmental oversight, limit public participation, and make it harder for communities to hold polluters accountable. 

The NAACP has raised concerns about the legislation's potential impact on Black communities and others already facing disproportionate exposure to pollution. Explore our breakdown of the proposed legislation, its implications for environmental protections, and our vision for a permitting process that prioritizes community health, accountability, and meaningful public involvement.