Gabe Evans

What They Are Saying... Rep Evans' CERTAIN Act

Position: Rep. Evans advocates for the CERTAIN Act, which streamlines federal permitting for infrastructure projects by establishing clear timelines, reducing agency delays, and improving coordination between federal agencies to accelerate project approvals across energy and infrastructure sectors.

DENVER — Key stakeholder support from across Colorado communities is flooding in for Congressman Gabe Evans’ bipartisan Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act. The CERTAIN Act would build upon ongoing permitting reform efforts in Congress to secure permit certainty for all infrastructure projects of all types – supporting a truly all-of-the-above energy strategy. More specifically, CERTAIN stops political interference in the permitting process and ensures federal agencies handle project authorizations and environmental reviews fairly and efficiently, with clear timelines, notice requirements, and accountability. It also emphasizes coordination between permitting agencies to avoid unnecessary delays. This much-needed certainty would incentivize more investments into critical American infrastructure to ultimately lower costs, create jobs, and protect our environment. The CERTAIN Act has received widespread support from local stakeholder organizations; ➡️ Pipefitters Local Union 208: “Pipefitters Local Union 208 supports commonsense permit reform that creates consistent standards, accountability, and project certainty. The bipartisan CERTAIN Act provides the project certainty needed while accomplishing those priorities, which in turn will give our members the opportunity to build these projects while earning family-sustaining wages and benefits.” — Cecil Courtney, Business Manager ➡️ International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 68: “IBEW Local 68 supports efforts to modernize federal permitting so Colorado can build the energy infrastructure our communities depend on. When reviews drag on for years, projects stall, costs rise, and workers lose opportunities. Clear deadlines, smarter agency coordination, and the resources to move projects forward, that's what the CERTAIN Act delivers. A permitting system that works isn't just good policy; it's a promise to the workforce that powers Colorado and this country.” ➡️ Vestas Americas: “We appreciate Representative Evans’ leadership in seeking common sense solutions to speed up permitting delays for necessary electricity projects across the country. Rapid growth in data centers and AI technologies is driving unprecedented electricity demand across the nation, and wind energy is essential to meeting that demand reliably and affordably. With American‑made turbines built and maintained by workers in Colorado, wind power will play a critical role in supporting economic growth while strengthening our nation’s security. The CERTAIN Act is a positive step forward toward helping meet this demand.” — Laura Beane, President ➡️ Colorado Solar and Storage Association: "In order to meet rising demand and provide Coloradans with affordable and reliable energy, Colorado developers need confidence that their projects will be able to move through the permitting process in good faith. The CERTAIN Act would ensure developers have the clarity they need to build more solar and storage in our state, and we applaud this bipartisan effort.” — KC Becker, CEO ➡️ Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association: "Comprehensive permitting reform is essential to delivering reliable and affordable power to the farmers, ranchers, and rural communities Tri‑State serves. Today’s lengthy and often unpredictable approval processes delay critical energy and wildfire mitigation projects, including transmission projects, grid upgrades, and vegetation management. For Tri-State, which serves nearly 200,000 square miles of the U.S., streamlining permitting is not about cutting corners - it’s about ensuring practical permitting solutions are in place to meet growing demand, strengthen reliability, and serve our 39 member‑owners without unnecessary cost or risk. We appreciate Congressman Evan’s leadership on this issue and will continue to work with him on permitting solutions.” - Duane Highley, CEO ➡️ Xcel Energy: “We applaud Congressman Evans and his colleagues, including Congressman Vasquez from our service territory, for their leadership in introducing the CERTAIN Act and for highlighting the importance of certainty and consistency in federal permitting decisions. Ensuring that projects which have completed the review process are treated fairly and predictably is essential to supporting infrastructure development, energy reliability, and economic growth. We appreciate the bipartisan nature of this effort and welcome the opportunity to engage further as the legislation is considered.” — Martin Doern, AVP of Federal Affairs ➡️ United Power: “The electric industry is at a crossroads. As demand has grown, the ability for utilities to plan and meet the needs of consumers has been challenged by changing rules, realigned priorities, and lengthy processes to build and permit necessary facilities. This cumbersome process has contributed to growing costs and has impacted reliability nationwide. The CERTAIN Act would help to clarify rules, expedite improvements, and reduce costs for ratepayers across the country. Leveling the field with standard planning rules, regulations, and timelines would allow utilities to more effectively and efficiently plan for future growth and expansion, while meeting customers’ expectations for reliable and economically priced power to run their lives. The CERTAIN Act would help to define a nationwide approach to a key challenge in the electric industry and create a solution for an issue that has plagued the sector for decades.” — Mark A. Gabriel, President & CEO ➡️ Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Rocky Mountain: “IEC Rocky Mountain supports the CERTAIN Act and Congressman Gabe Evans’ leadership to bring much-needed reforms to the federal permitting process because permitting certainty means putting Colorado electricians and small businesses to work. IECRM’s electrical contractors are ready to build and power the infrastructure our region needs, but permitting delays keep projects stuck on paper. This bill will help get projects moving, create jobs, and open more opportunities for the next generation of electricians. Across Colorado, IEC chapters have 3,600 electrical apprentices enrolled in IEC’s world-class government-registered apprenticeship programs who will benefit from on-the-job learning as a result of new projects freed from unreasonable permitting delays.” – Marilyn Akers Stansbury, CEO ➡️ America Builders Coalition (ABC) Rocky Mountain Chapter: “ABC Rocky Mountain applauds Rep. Gabe Evans for introducing the CERTAIN Act, legislation that improves transparency and certainty for America’s infrastructure projects and gives construction companies in Colorado and nationwide the confidence to invest in their workforce and grow their businesses." — Jack Tate, President & CEO ➡️ Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association (PVREA): "Reliable, affordable power depends on completing critical infrastructure projects on predictable timelines. The CERTAIN Act would help streamline the federal permitting process and strengthen coordination, reducing unnecessary delays for essential work like grid upgrades and wildfire mitigation. We thank Congressman Evans for his leadership in advancing this practical, bipartisan effort." — Jeff Wadsworth, President & CEO ➡️ Outshine: “Congressman Evan's permitting reform legislation will bring much needed certainty that Colorado's solar industry needs. I strongly support this bill as a way to deliver low-cost energy while strengthening our economy and creating jobs in rural Colorado.” — Taylor Henderson, CEO In case you missed it, read the press release on the CERTAIN Act here. To read more from supporting stakeholders around the country, click here. Issues: Congress Economy Energy

Gabe Evans Votes to Pass Historic 2026 Farm Bill — Delivers Relief for Colorado Farmers, Ranchers, and Agricultural Producers

WASHINGTON —Today, Representative Gabe Evans (CO-08) voted to pass the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 — securing necessary and long overdue relief for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers. This legislation builds on the wins delivered in the Working Families Tax Cut — ensuring affordability and further protections for America’s producers through market stabilizations, strengthened supply chains and trade relationships, investments in rural energy and infrastructure programs, and support for new farmers. “After months of hearing from Colorado’s farmers, ranchers, and organizations on their farm bill priorities, I was proud to collaborate with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Thompson and other members to deliver this long-awaited relief and investment for our hardworking agricultural community. For years, Colorado’s farmers have been punished by ruling Denver Democrats, jeopardizing food security to achieve their radical climate agenda. Food security is national security, and the passage of this bipartisan bill today is not only a win for our farmers, but for all of America.” — Representative Gabe Evans The Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026 further: Enhances standing disaster programs and expands eligibility for assistance Expands access to low-cost financing for agricultural infrastructure and equipment Protects and enhances working lands conservation programs to ensure they remain producer-first, flexible, and locally-led Creates the Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP) to better mitigate wildfires and reduce emissions Addresses trade barriers and infrastructure deficiencies Prioritizes innovation and improves access to nutrition programs that support our farmers and neighbors in need Creates a stronger, more sustainable connection between health and federal nutrition programs, an important step towards Making America Healthy Again Strengthens broadband connectivity to rural communities Key legislation that Rep. Evans proudly co-sponsored was included in the passage of today’s Farm Bill: H.R. 1207 - Transfers Food for Peace from USAID to USDA so American farmers and ranchers can continue to sell their products to direct food assistance for our allies. H.R. 2558 - SAFETY Act of 2025, which protects U.S. producers from unfair trade barriers, particularly in the European Union, that restricts their access to markets by prohibiting use of widely recognized product names like parmesan, cheddar, or IPA. H.R. 4782 - Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act, which reinstates USDA programs to facilitate the purchase of food from local farmers to provide to food pantries and schools. Many Colorado farmers are proud participants of local farm-to-school, and farm-to-table programs, especially on the Front Range where communities are rapidly growing in rural areas. H.R. 3824 - Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2025, which eliminates redundant permitting processes that cost farmers more time and money, without making our local environments any safer H.R. 1576 - Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2025, to keep American Ag land American, especially nearby military installations and other critical infrastructure H.R. 8403 - Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act, which makes hot rotisserie chicken eligible for purchase with SNAP dollars to help feed families with nutritious food Read the bill text here. Issues: Agriculture and Production Economy

Evans, Cramer Lead Bicameral Effort Urging Trump Administration to Protect American Onion Growers

Position: The lawmakers urge the Trump Administration to take action against Mexican onion imports through trade negotiations, citing cost disparities, uneven regulatory enforcement, and food safety concerns that disadvantage American growers.

WASHINGTON — Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08) and Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) led a bicameral letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer calling for action to address the growing economic and food safety challenges posed by increased onion imports from Mexico. In the letter, lawmakers highlight how American onion growers are being undercut by significant cost disparities, uneven regulatory enforcement, and limited food safety oversight on imported products — creating an unlevel playing field that threatens domestic producers. An excerpt from the letter reads: “We appreciate the Trump Administration’s commitment to restoring fair trade practices that prioritize American jobs and strengthen local economies. That leadership is urgently needed as U.S. onion growers face an increasingly uneven competitive environment. Structural cost disparities, inconsistent regulatory enforcement, limited access to food safety inspections, and rapid agricultural expansion in northern Mexico are distorting the market and placing sustained pressure on domestic producers. We ask for your support in ongoing trade negotiations with Mexico to end these unfair practices and ensure American growers can meet domestic demand.” The letter outlines several key concerns driving the disparity between American and Mexican producers, including: Rising U.S. production costs — which have increased by 300 percent since 1992 Major labor cost imbalances, with U.S. wages averaging $16.50-$17.00 per hour compared to roughly $1.80 in Mexico Unequal food safety standards Cartel-controlled farms growing and subsidizing onions to undercut American farmers. Water delivery failures under the 1944 treaty — enabling expanded agricultural production in northern Mexico while U.S. growers face constrained resources In addition to Rep Evans and Senator Cramer, the bicameral letter was supported and signed by Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR), Rep. Michael Simpson (R-ID), Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA), Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-CO), Rep. Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), Rep. Claudia Tenney (R- NY), Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), and Senator John Hoeven (R-ND). Background: Onion producers across Colorado and the nation are critical to the rural economies and America’s agricultural supply chain. However, as imports from Mexico continue to rise, domestic growers are increasingly forced to compete against producers operating under significantly lower costs and less stringent regulatory standards. This bicameral effort reinforces Congress’ commitment to restoring fair trade, strengthening domestic food production, and ensuring American farmers can compete on a level playing field. Lawmakers emphasized that food security is national security and called for immediate action to protect U.S. agriculture. Issues: Agriculture and Production Economy

House Passes Evans’ Bipartisan FIRE Act to Cut Red Tape and Lower Costs

Position: Representative Evans supports the FIRE Act, which exempts states from federal air quality penalties for emissions beyond their control, such as wildfire smoke and prescribed burns, while maintaining environmental standards. The legislation aims to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses and consumers while incentivizing wildfire mitigation.

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Gabe Evans secured House passage of his bipartisan Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act, H.R. 6387, a commonsense measure to address unfair air quality regulations tied to emissions beyond states’ control. The FIRE Act ensures job creators and consumers are not penalized for emissions like wildfire smoke and prescribed burns, while preserving strong environmental standards and public health protections. The legislation will also provide clarity and predictability to air quality planning, reduces unnecessary regulatory burdens on manufacturers and communities, and incentivizes proactive wildfire mitigation efforts that improve long-term air quality. "For years, Colorado's economy has been burdened by costly, poorly designed regulations that punish small businesses, employers, and families for emissions they can't control — raising costs, stifling job growth, and making it harder for communities to thrive. The FIRE Act is a commonsense solution that lowers costs, slashes red tape, restores fairness, incentivizes wildfire mitigation, and prioritizes practical preventative steps that protect public health while improving air quality.” — Congressman Gabe Evans Background: For years, areas along the Front Range of Colorado have consistently struggled to meet ozone attainment levels set by the federal Clean Air Act. The resulting red tape around air quality permitting and the regulations that Colorado’s ruling Democrats slap onto the industry, the economy and consumers, are a leading cause of the affordability crisis that working families in Colorado District 8 are facing. When the economy is strangled under the weight of costly and poorly designed ozone attainment standards, jobs are lost, prices spike, and financial stress increases negative mental and physical health outcomes. When families and jobs are penalized for emissions outside of their control, it leads to unemployment, higher costs which both fail to promote healthy living standards and instead promotes poverty. Regulation under the Clean Air Act has resulted in Colorado imposing reformulated gasoline mandates on drivers. In the summertime, commuters across the state are forced to buy reformulated gas that's typically 40 cents more expensive per gallon, despite the so-called “mitigation effort” producing negligible results — less than 1 part-per-billion in actually reducing ozone levels. In fact, the Democrat appointed chair of the Denver regional air quality council admitted that we could, “ban oil and gas in Colorado and still not meet summertime ozone standards.” In Colorado only 29% of the ozone and air pollution along the Front Range is human caused. The other 71% percent of the air pollution is from sources like wildfires, pollution from communist China, and naturally occurring atmospheric events. In 2024, Governor Polis joined Gov. Katie Hobbs (D), Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D), Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R), and Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon (R) in sending a letter seeking greater flexibility from the Biden administration in achieving the strict ozone standards in the Clean Air Act. The FIRE Act is the solution. The bill has received widespread support from stakeholder organizations: “Western Governors thank Representatives Evans and Gray for their bipartisan legislation that removes regulatory barriers to wildfire risk reduction. In recent years, Western Governors have developed and advocated for a range of policy recommendations to increase the pace and scale of forest restoration via broader deployment of prescribed fire. The Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act streamlines the exceptional events process, minimizing its regulatory burden and promoting the safe use of prescribed fire. Western Governors are eager to continue to work with the Energy and Commerce Committee to support important forest management reforms such as the FIRE Act." — Jack Waldorf, Executive Director of Western Governors Association. “Across the country, overreaching regulations have slowed projects that could deliver significant benefits to our economy and environment. By modernizing permitting and clarifying regulatory requirements, Congress can unlock private investment, accelerate job creation, and enhance national security. Importantly, these reforms will allow us to build the modern infrastructure needed to compete in the global race for innovation—supporting advancements in artificial intelligence, strengthening transportation networks, expanding affordable and reliable energy, and ensuring America remains a leader in technology and economic growth.” — U.S. Chamber of Commerce “The FIRE Act offers an important step toward balancing clean air protections with proactive wildfire mitigation while also promoting coordination between public and private land managers. By recognizing prescribed burns and other risk-reduction measures as essential tools, this legislation ensures states can protect communities from catastrophic wildfires without being penalized for temporary air quality impacts. In turn, this bill will help Tri-State maintain grid reliability and has the potential to lower costs associated with wildfire damage by reducing wildland fuels in landscapes across our service territory.” — Duane Highley, CEO, Tri-State Generation “We appreciate the efforts and leadership of Congressman Evans to propose this legislation. We all support clean air, but we need to modernize air quality regulations that do nothing more than to add burden to businesses, add cost and do not result in environmental improvements. Thank you, Congressman Gabe Evans!!” — Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association “Colorado has long failed to meet the federal air quality standards, with an approach that is costly to consumers, over-regulates businesses of all sizes, and fails to target a primary source of the problem: emissions from wildfires and out-of-state emissions transport. Due to costly and burdensome state air quality regulations, Colorado businesses face significantly higher operating costs than out-of-state competitors, increasing costs for everyone. The FIRE Act is a reasonable approach that will lower costs for Coloradans by clarifying how emissions from wildfires, prescribed burns, and other exceptional events are considered in federal air quality standards. We need more tools to manage air quality, not bureaucratic obstacles.” — Colorado Petroleum Association “Colorado fuel marketers and station owners as well as our customers hope that Colorado pays attention to this much needed and important effort to reduce costs on the Colorado economy and working families. For too long Colorado families have taken more out of limited family budgets, to throw money endlessly to solve an ozone problem the majority of which is out of our control and a lot of which is simply naturally occurring and would be here even if no people lived in Colorado.. Expensive and unnecessary mandates like Reformulated Gasoline, which even our Governor tried his best to oppose, are the result of inaction for years by people and groups who use this archaic law as a way to justify and enhance the economic pain families are feeling. Congressman Evans just provided hope with this legislation, and it can and should avoid further cost increases, in this policy area, on Colorado families. We hope this takes away the need for costly mandates like the proposed indirect source rule proposal which will increase the cost of groceries. Colorado businesses are facing 10's of millions of dollars right now in increases all of which get passed down like an avalanche bury Colorado families. Air quality will continue to improve without further cost burdens. This is simply transformative.” — Colorado Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association “Manufacturers support Clean Air Act reforms as part of critically needed comprehensive permitting reform. CAMA appreciates your actions to address the mounting permitting challenges facing Colorado manufacturers under increasingly stringent air quality standards. Unless addressed, these challenges will essentially block permitting approvals for projects critical to economic growth, manufacturing infrastructure, and jobs. Your efforts will foster our industry’s ongoing efforts to improve air quality while preventing unnecessary burdens that reduce economic growth and tax revenues vital to local communities.” — Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Association “Club 20 supports the FIRE Act as a practical solution that protects rural communities from being unfairly penalized for wildfire smoke, while encouraging proactive forest management. This bill helps safeguard Western Colorado's economy, regulatory certainty, and commonsense wildfire mitigation efforts.” — Club 20 “Congress needs to take action to ensure that, codified within the CAA, states are not unfairly penalized for prescribed burns. Disincentivizing their use can undermine forest management. And ironically, penalizing the use of prescribed burns can hurt air quality, which undermines the purpose of the CAA.” — Daren Bakst, Competitive Enterprise Institute’s Director of the Center for Energy and Environment “The below legislation, introduced in this Congress … will balance the need to continue improving air quality while fostering economic growth and innovation.” — The American Cement Association “The Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association wants to thank Representative Gabe Evans for his efforts and fully supports the Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act. This bill will help modernize the Clean Air Act and is a step in the right direction for Colorado.” — Colorado Ready Mix Concrete Association “The Colorado Oil & Gas Association strongly endorses Congressman Evans’ Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act. This Act will make key updates to Section 319(b) of the Clean Air Act to ensure that states are not penalized in ozone attainment determinations for clearly defined exceptional events like wildfires and prescribed burns. By clarifying how these events and state-approved wildfire mitigation activities are treated in federal air quality reviews, the FIRE Act will provide much-needed clarity to EPA in assessing these events, and in turn, greater regulatory certainty for industries affected by Colorado's ozone nonattainment status in the Front Range. The Colorado Regional Air Quality Council's (RAQC) most recent modeling shows the Front Range's ozone challenge is significantly driven by exceptional events as well as natural sources and international transport of ozone rather than by Colorado businesses. COGA appreciates Congressman Evans’ leadership on this issue and looks forward to working with him as this important legislation advances.” — Lynn Granger, The Colorado Oil and Gas Association Additional support has been received from: Colorado Motor Carriers Association Action Colorado National Association of Manufacturers View the bill text here. Issues: Public Safety Economy Energy Health

Evans’ Broadband Bill Passes House, Marks Fifth Bipartisan Win

WASHINGTON — On Monday, Representative Gabe Evans’ bipartisan Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act passed the House with near unanimous support. The bill streamlines federal permitting and accelerates the deployment of high-speed internet infrastructure on federally managed lands. In states like Colorado, where large portions of land are federally managed, complex and slow federal approval processes have delayed broadband expansion—leaving rural communities without reliable internet access. This legislation addresses those delays while delivering solutions that will benefit communities across the country. "Far too often, overburdensome federal regulations delay critical infrastructure projects—leaving rural communities behind. The Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act cuts through that red tape, speeds up approvals on federal lands, and helps ensure families and small businesses can access reliable, high-speed internet. I am proud to lead on this commonsense, bipartisan permitting reform legislation, and am thrilled to deliver this win for rural communities across Colorado and the country.” –– Congressman Gabe Evans The Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act establishes a coordinated effort to improve how federal agencies review broadband projects on public lands. Specifically, the bill creates an interagency “strike force” made up of key federal land management agencies, including the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This strike force is tasked with ensuring agencies prioritize broadband permitting requests, set clear and measurable review timelines, and improve coordination across federal offices that oversee public lands. It will also monitor agency performance and hold agencies accountable for meeting those timelines—helping prevent unnecessary delays that have historically slowed infrastructure projects. The bill focuses on speeding up approvals for “communications use authorizations,” including easements, leases, and rights-of-way needed to build broadband infrastructure such as towers and fiber lines on federal land. By improving efficiency and accountability in this process, the legislation will help expand high-speed internet access to rural and underserved communities more quickly. Background: The Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act: Establishes an interagency strike force to coordinate and prioritize broadband permitting across federal land management agencies Requires agencies to set clear goals and timelines for reviewing broadband project applications Improves accountability by monitoring agency performance and reporting progress to Congress Speeds up approvals for broadband infrastructure on public lands, including National Forest System land Helps expand reliable, high-speed internet access to rural and underserved communities in Colorado and across the nation Issues: Economy Energy

Evans Leads Sweeping, Bipartisan Federal Permitting Overhaul

Position: The release advocates for the CERTAIN Act, which streamlines federal environmental and energy permitting processes, reduces review timelines, strengthens agency coordination, and protects issued permits from revocation, framed as necessary to accelerate energy infrastructure development and lower costs.

WASHINGTON —Today, Reps. Gabe Evans (R-CO), Scott Peters (D-CA), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Adam Gray (D-CA), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), and Jen Kiggans (R-VA) formally introduced the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act, a bipartisan bill to fix our federal permitting system and ensure all energy projects are built efficiently, fairly, and on time. America’s energy demand is surging, but the infrastructure we need to meet this demand is not being built fast enough. Without reform, these delays will slow energy development, drive up costs, and impose real consequences on American workers, businesses, and consumers. The CERTAIN Act would streamline the federal permitting process from when an application is submitted to when agencies reach a final decision. It would provide enforceable accountability measures, stronger coordination between agencies, and ensure agencies are fully staffed. Critically, the bill would protect lawfully issued permits from arbitrary revocation or political interference, giving developers, investors, and workers the certainty they need to build. “For decades, unpredictable and burdensome permitting processes have stood in the way of investment and innovation in Colorado and across the country. Communities have been deprived of the reliable and affordable energy they need. The bipartisan and tech-neutral CERTAIN Act is the long-term solution to permitting reform. This legislation cuts through red tape to deliver American infrastructure projects of all types, sooner, so we can build a stronger America for generations to come. It depoliticizes the permitting process and secures jobs, lowers costs for American families, and prioritizes American energy dominance.” — Congressman Gabe Evans (R-CO) “Californians are already being crushed by skyrocketing energy costs. They cannot wait years for political battles to play out while their bills keep climbing. The CERTAIN Act ends the partisan whiplash that has stalled infrastructure projects for years. Once a project has undergone a fair and thorough review and obtained its permits, it should be able to move forward. That's not a Democratic or Republican idea. It's common sense.” — Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA) “In order to combat rising energy costs, we must ensure that our permitting process is efficient, transparent, and accountable for future energy infrastructure development. The CERTAIN Act eliminates unnecessary red tape and improves coordination across agencies to ensure critical energy projects aren’t delayed by political gridlock. I am proud to support this bipartisan effort that will lower costs, strengthen energy security, and deliver real relief for families in Virginia’s Second District.” — Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA) “In Pennsylvania, I hear from business leaders, manufacturers, and energy developers who are ready to build but are waiting years for a permit, which puts us behind competitors like China and drives up costs here at home. The CERTAIN Act brings accountability to the process with clear timelines and fewer unnecessary delays so we can get projects done while still protecting our communities and environment. I’m grateful to Representatives Peters and Evans for their bipartisan leadership to help us build smarter, faster, and more affordably here at home.” — Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) “Too often, critical infrastructure and energy projects get stuck in a broken permitting process that lacks transparency and accountability. That drives up costs for families and holds back communities. I’m proud to help introduce the bipartisan CERTAIN Act to bring more certainty to the process and ensure projects that meet the requirements can move forward. We must get this bill across the finish line as soon as possible so we can start delivering real results for our communities.” — Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) “We need major reforms to our permitting process that ensure transparency, timelines, and certainty for all applicants. By working together to fix our permitting processes, we can save taxpayer dollars, strengthen our economy, and once again show that America can build great things.” — Congressman Adam Gray (D-CA) “Arizona families and businesses are counting on smart, reliable energy solutions that support growth and opportunity,” said Rep. Ciscomani. “The CERTAIN Act brings clarity, coordination, and common sense to the federal permitting process so we can responsibly build the energy infrastructure our communities need. We can and should increase energy production while protecting our environment, and this bipartisan effort sets clear timelines and accountability to create jobs, strengthen our grid, and power America’s future responsibly.” — Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) Key provisions of the CERTAIN Act include: Firm timelines and milestones for all federal permitting decisions Clear legal remedies when agencies miss deadlines Stronger interagency coordination to eliminate redundant reviews Protection for lawfully issued permits against arbitrary revocation Accountability measures to address capacity constraints at permitting agencies The CERTAIN Act builds on a discussion draft circulated by Reps. Evans, Peters, Vasquez, and Garbarino in January. That input helped shape the final legislation introduced today. The CERTAIN Act is also supported by a broad coalition of organizations. You can read their statements of support HERE. See bill text HERE, and a section-by-section HERE. Issues: Energy

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Rep. Gabe Evans Hosts Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to Address Water Supply Concerns and Wildfire Management

GREELEY, CO — Congressman Gabe Evans welcomed U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to Colorado’s 8th Congressional District for a series of discussions and site visits focused on water supply, wildfire management, and forest stewardship across Northern Colorado. The visit comes as Colorado faces severe drought conditions, declining snowpack, and heightened wildfire risk — challenges that directly impact communities, agriculture, and the state’s long-term water security. “I’m thrilled to have welcomed Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to Northern Colorado to discuss the ongoing challenges that we face; from invasive species to other environmental concerns like drought and water resources impacting communities across Colorado District Eight. These conversations are vital to ensuring we can properly address these issues, and find ways to effectively mitigate as we head into wildfire season.” — Congressman Evans. Congressman Evans’ spearheaded conversations with Secretary Burgum, local and state leaders–including representatives from the Colorado State Forest Service, Colorado Geological Survey, Poudre Heritage Alliance, and the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed–by focusing on the intersection of drought conditions and wildfire risk, and how reduced water supply can accelerate fire danger across the region. “Northern Colorado shows what’s possible when effective leadership and smart resource management come together to support good-paying jobs and local economies. Congressman Evans is a proven fighter for Coloradans and a strong voice for unleashing American Energy Dominance to lower costs, expand opportunity, and secure a brighter future for families across Colorado and the nation.” — Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of the Interior “The visit with Rep. Evans and Secretary Bergum in the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area helped to further the ongoing efforts and conversations of a variety of local partners engaged in the healthy Poudre River watershed. It is vital that we continue this dialogue regarding issues and solutions for water supply, storage, wildfire mitigation and the long-term health of the Poudre River Basin.”— Beth Bullard, Executive Director of the Poudre Heritage Alliance A key component of the discussion centered on forest stewardship and the ongoing threat posed by mountain pine beetle infestations across the Front Range. Beetle-killed trees have created vast areas of dead timber, serving as fuel for wildfires and increasing both the frequency and intensity of fire events. Local leaders highlighted the importance of active forest management, including removing dead trees and improving forest health to reduce wildfire risk and protect surrounding communities. “The ongoing mountain pine beetle outbreak is hitting some of the Front Range’s most populated and high-risk areas, along many of our main travel corridors and in places that matter most for water, infrastructure and recreation. And with the historically warm, dry winter and spring we’ve had, it’s likely to get tougher before it gets better….I appreciate Congressman Evans for helping open up conversations with leaders like Secretary Burgum and Director Fennessy. When we work together, we can ensure Coloradans have a more resilient future where we don’t find ourselves this vulnerable ever again.” — Matt McCombs, State Forester and Director of the Colorado State Forest Service During the visit, Congressman Evans and Secretary Burgum toured along the Poudre River to see firsthand how local partnerships are restoring habitat, improving water quality, and strengthening long-term environmental resilience. These efforts, including innovative watershed restoration techniques, play a critical role in protecting water resources and reducing flood and fire risk in Northern Colorado. This visit underscores Congressman Gabe Evans’ ongoing commitment to advancing solutions that support Colorado jobs, protect natural resources, and strengthen the resilience of communities across the 8th District. Issues: Agriculture and Production Congress Economy

Congressman Gabe Evans Votes to Reopen DHS — Rejecting Senate Proposals That Omit Funding for Key Law Enforcement Agencies

Position: Congressman Evans supports full funding for DHS agencies including ICE and CBP, opposing Senate proposals that exclude funding for these law enforcement agencies. He argues that civilian support staff are essential to border security and law enforcement operations.

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Gabe Evans voted to advance a 60-day continuing resolution (CR) to reopen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), rejecting a Senate proposal that excludes funding for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “House Republicans have voted and passed legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security three separate times. Meanwhile Senate Democrats have struck down every opportunity to fully fund the hardworking Americans who protect our homeland, instead pushing their radical defund-the-police and open border policies and willingly creating crisis and chaos across the country. While Democrats continue to lie about their concern for the safety and well-being of their constituents, I will continue to fight as we work to fully fund these critical agencies and deliver on the America-first promises I made.” — Congressman Gabe Evans The Senate-passed legislation would reopen portions of DHS but deliberately excludes funding for ICE and CBP — two critical agencies responsible for securing the nation’s borders, enforcing immigration laws, and removing dangerous criminals from American communities. Despite uniformed ICE and CBP officers being funded in last years' reconciliation bill — the Working Families Tax Cut — civilian and support staff were not. Senate Democrats are cancelling civilian pay to degrade law enforcement and compromise border security. Law enforcement agencies cannot effectively function without their civilian support staff. When Democrats weaken a link, the whole chain of Homeland Security breaks. That’s exactly why House Republicans have made it clear that selectively funding DHS in this manner is unacceptable and undermines the Department’s core mission. The Department of Homeland Security has now been shut down for 42 days –– the longest partial government shutdown in American history –– disrupting operations across multiple agencies and placing an increased strain on the men and women tasked with protecting the homeland. Congressman Gabe Evans’ vote to advance a 60-day CR would temporarily restore funding for all DHS components, including ICE and CBP, while allowing Congress additional time to negotiate a long-term solution that ensures the Department is fully funded. The vote comes after the House GOP voted for the third time to fully fund DHS and support its workforce earlier this week through H.Res 1128, a resolution expressing support for DHS personnel, and H.R.8029, the Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act, which ensures that frontline DFHS employees receive their pay. House Republicans have also previously passed H.R. 7147 and H.R. 7744, both of which fully funded DHS. Despite multiple opportunities to support these measures, Democrats have repeatedly voted against efforts to fully fund DHS and pay the personnel who protect the American people. DHS is a coordinated system of agencies that work together to safeguard the nation. From TSA officers securing our airports, to FEMA preparing for disasters, to CISA defending critical infrastructure from cyber threats, to ICE and CBP enforcing federal law and securing the border, each component plays an essential role. Weakening or excluding any part of this system creates gaps in coordination, strains frontline operations, and undermines national security. The impacts of the ongoing shutdown are being felt across the country. During a recent Homeland Security Committee hearing, TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeil testified that airport wait times have reached the longest in agency history, with call-out rates surging as high as 40–50% and more than 480 TSA officers leaving their positions. In some cases, airports have resorted to requesting donations to support TSA personnel working without pay. House Republicans have consistently acted to fully fund DHS and support its workforce. The Senate’s failure to do so — and its decision to advance a proposal that excludes key law enforcement agencies — has prolonged uncertainty and weakened the Department’s ability to carry out its mission. The Senate should return immediately and pass legislation that ensures all DHS components are funded, restores stability to the Department, and provides certainty to the personnel working every day to protect the American people. Issues: Border Security and Immigration Congress Public Safety