Permitting Reform: No Tricks, Just Practical Solutions

Modernizing our nation’s infrastructure is critical to strengthening economic competitiveness, enhancing energy reliability, improving public safety, and meeting climate and sustainability goals. However, it is widely understood that the current protracted permitting process stands as a significant barrier to realizing these essential objectives. Permitting delays are extending the timeline of projects and driving up costs – blowing budgets, making some projects unattainable, and limiting the amount of much-needed infrastructure that we can build as a country. The issue of permitting is more important than ever. 

The good news? Permitting system reform is a topic that leaders from across the country and across the aisle mostly agree on. During a recent Common Grounds event hosted by U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Representatives Scott Peters (D-CA) and John Curtis (R-UT) stressed the importance of bipartisan support to streamline the permitting process. They call for reforms that will speed up approvals without compromising regulations. 

So what’s the hold up and why? We’ve curated some articles to get you up to speed. Read on.

Why the U.S. Needs to Reform Its Permitting System 
A bipartisan discussion on the permitting system and the benefits that reform can have on the nation’s progress. 

Why Permitting Reform Matters
Why streamlining regulations, improving transparency, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders are essential to overcoming bureaucratic barriers and achieving faster, more efficient development.

The Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024: What’s in the Bill
How the permitting process stands as a significant barrier to securing affordable and reliable energy while advancing emissions reductions. 

Modernizing NEPA Technology
In a new report to Congress, CEQ evaluates permitting processes, including an analysis of 16 different agency technology tools and initiatives being advanced to improve the environmental review and permitting process.


UFI CALENDAR ROUND UP

UFI’s events calendar is updated monthly with virtual and in-person events that are happening all across the country, spanning various infrastructure sectors. There's something for everyone to explore and benefit from, so check back often! 

Here’s a few highlights of what’s coming up:

The Rural Renaissance Roadshow
Macon, GA  |  November 11 - 14

Workshop on U.S. Clean Mobility by 2035
Washington, DC  |  November 7

NLC City Summit Tampa Bay
Tampa, FL  |  November 13 - 16

APTA Transit Initiatives Ballot Workshop
Cincinnati, OH |  December 9


STAY CONNECTED!

Be an advocate for the value of investments in our nation's infrastructure by amplifying UFI with your network! Follow us on X and Linkedin for infrastructure-related news, updates and information from our esteemed Steering Committee and valued Partnership Network. Got a story we should know about? Help us amplify it, by tagging us: @United4infra or #UnitedForInfrastructure. 

It’s hard to believe that we’re less than a month away from the new year, which means we’re gearing up for Infrastructure Week 2025, happening from May 12 - 16! Now is the time to begin planning your events and reaching out to us to let us know about them. We’re always looking for new ideas and there are already many ways to get involved. 

Let’s get the word out! Has your infrastructure project or initiative been in the news lately? We want to know about it! Reach out to us or DM us on X.

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