WASHINGTON -- A U.S. House of Representatives committee has approved legislation to change the permitting process for energy and infrastructure projects, with one Arkansas lawmaker having a prominent role pushing the measure.

The House Natural Resources Committee voted 25-18 on Thursday to favorably report the SPEED Act to the full House. The committee's Republican members unified behind the legislation. Two Democrats -- Maine's Jared Golden and California's Adam Gray -- additionally supported the bill.

Arkansas Republican Bruce Westerman and Golden introduced the SPEED Act in late July, two years after lawmakers agreed to shorten the time for completing environmental assessments involved in the permitting process. Westerman, of Hot Springs, has served as House Natural Resources Committe

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