“Permitting reform is one of those issues where both Republicans and Democrats recognize the problem, we largely agree on solutions, and Congress gets close year after year to doing something. But somehow it just never crosses the finish line.”
Governor Kevin Stitt
At this year’s NGA Winter Meeting in Washington D.C., Governors from across the nation called for policies to streamline the federal permitting process for vital infrastructure projects. The urgency of this issue was echoed by Governor Kelly Armstrong in testimony before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works a few weeks ago:
“Robust funding is important, but all the money in the world means nothing if it can’t be deployed because of a broken permitting system. I urge this Committee and your colleagues to use surface transportation reauthorization to enact bipartisan permitting reform…Our current regulatory framework imposes excessive delays and escalating costs and injects uncertainty into critical infrastructure projects. It also discourages private sector investment, while making federal investment less effective and efficient.”
Governor Kelly Armstrong
While Governors will continue urging Congress to act, they’re not waiting on Washington. This week, Governor Wes Moore announced the first set of pilot projects under the Maryland Coordinated Permitting Review Council, which he created to “streamline and expedite permitting review for major projects at the state and local levels of government, promoting the successful attraction, retention, and growth of businesses and workforce across the state.”
“We refuse to let red tape stand between our state and a growing economy. By streamlining the permitting process, we will help get shovels in the ground faster and supercharge our agenda to create pathways to work, wages, and wealth for all Marylanders. These first six pilot projects reaffirm our commitment to spurring economic growth. And they are only the beginning.”
Governor Wes Moore
Governor Moore is hardly alone in taking action. Governors are working coast to coast to make permitting processes more efficient. Here are some examples:
- “We further commit, across all relevant agencies, to prioritizing expeditious review of projects as they come into the queue for state consultation and permitting.” Governor Jared Polis on taking action to accelerate energy infrastructure projects.
- “My administration is committed to transparency and accountability, and we’re taking action to make Indiana the best place in America to start and grow a business. Permitting is an important part of growing our economy, and publicly reporting permitting data holds agencies accountable and makes them more efficient.” Governor Mike Braun signing an Executive Order to publicly report permitting data to make processes more transparent, efficient, and to support growth.
- “Streamlining our permitting processes not only enhances efficiency but also reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting the environment and improving the lives of all Louisianans.” Governor Jeff Landry on advancements in streamlining the permitting processes for energy infrastructure.
- “The Mass Ready Act is an investment in our infrastructure and in our communities. It will save people money and jumpstart housing by streamlining the permitting process.” Governor Maura Healey introducing a bill to strengthen infrastructure and protect Massachusetts communities.
- “A big reason we were able to get this done is because of Pennsylvania’s new fast-track permitting system, allowing those to understand how quickly they can get a permit, and it’s all done in a transparent and open process, giving confidence to companies.” Governor Josh Shapiro announcing the largest private sector investment in the Commonwealth’s history.
- “The focus of this executive order is to empower Utahns to take the lead in creating the world we want for our children and grandchildren. It’s about a future of freedom, opportunity and abundance — built here…We can do it again. It shouldn’t take years to get approval for a project that benefits our communities and strengthens our economy.” Governor Spencer Cox on an executive order aimed at streamlining permitting processes and reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens.
- “Increasing efficiency, transparency, and predictability in the processing and approval of state-issued permits, licenses, certifications, and identification cards will remove unnecessary barriers for Washingtonians seeking to do business in the state.” Governor Bob Ferguson signing two permitting reform orders on housing and other permitting and licensing processes less than an hour after taking the oath of office and just minutes after concluding his inaugural address.
That last part is a perfect summation of how committed Governors are to improving government and delivering for the American people. Your turn Congress.
