During the campaign and thus far in the current administration, the President has prioritized the modernization of the Nation’s infrastructure and promised a $1 trillion investment plan to help fund that vision. There is rare bipartisan support in Congress for such a measure, as many agree that our roads, bridges, tunnels, railways, airports, energy, and water systems are in need of repair and replacement.
Although no legislation has been proposed to fund such projects, last week the President signed an Executive Order that may lead to a more efficient and effective permitting and authorization process and is viewed by many in Congress as a step toward the introduction of a long-awaited infrastructure funding package.
Executive Order “Establishing Discipline and Accountability in the Environmental Review and Permitting Process for Infrastructure”
The President’s Executive Order streamlines the permitting process for infrastructure projects, such as transportation and water systems, by easing several environmental rules, regulations, and policies. The Executive Order states that it will “ensure that the Federal environmental review and permitting process for infrastructure projects is coordinated, predictable, and transparent.” You can read the full Executive Order here, but we highlight the critical provisions below. Executive Order highlights:
Article by Van P. Hilderbrand Jr and Christopher S. Denny
Last Updated: September 5 2017
Miles & Stockbridge