The Future of Infrastructure: Faster Approvals and Permanent Reforms
New Guidelines Aim to Speed Up Infrastructure Projects
The White House is taking steps to accelerate infrastructure development. New guidelines have been issued to streamline the review and approval process, allowing projects to move forward faster. These changes require no additional funding or congressional approval.
The Federal Infrastructure Permitting Dashboard, launched in 2012, was created to track the progress of major infrastructure projects. Now, with the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the government is making significant reforms to improve and expedite the permitting process permanently.
Congress Strengthens Infrastructure Reforms
On November 5, 2021, Congress approved the historic $1.2 trillion bipartisan IIJA. One key component is the reauthorization of the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Permitting Council). This agency plays a vital role in streamlining the environmental review and authorization process for large-scale infrastructure projects.
Executive Director Christine Harada expressed excitement about the opportunity to advance national infrastructure development, highlighting the trust placed in the agency to ensure efficient project approvals.
Permitting Council Becomes a Permanent Agency
With the passage of the IIJA, the Permitting Council has become a permanent part of the federal government. This move underscores Congress’s commitment to a more transparent and predictable infrastructure approval process that maximizes investment while maintaining environmental safeguards.
Senator Rob Portman, a key advocate for permitting reforms, emphasized the importance of making the Permitting Council a lasting institution. "I am proud of the Council’s work to improve the federal permitting process without compromising environmental or safety protections," he said.
Key Changes in Infrastructure Permitting
The IIJA introduces several improvements to infrastructure permitting, including:
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Expanded Access for Tribal Projects: Tribal-sponsored infrastructure projects on Tribal-managed lands now have greater access to FAST-41 benefits.
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Funding Transfers for State and Tribal Governments: The Permitting Council Executive Director can now transfer funds directly to these governments for major projects.
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Increased Oversight and Coordination: The Permitting Council now oversees over 60 federal environmental reviews for projects in energy, transportation, broadband, and other sectors.
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Streamlined Federal Agency Reviews: A more coordinated decision-making process reduces delays for critical infrastructure projects.
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Public and Tribal Outreach Strategies: Improved engagement ensures better communication and transparency.
What is FAST-41?
FAST-41, established in 2015, aims to make the federal environmental review process for large infrastructure projects more efficient and predictable. Participation is voluntary, but project sponsors that qualify under specific criteria can access its benefits.
The FAST-41 program currently supports projects focused on renewable energy, coastal restoration, and electricity transmission. Offshore wind farms make up the majority, contributing to the Biden Administration’s goal of deploying 30 GW of offshore wind by 2030.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The current FAST-41 project portfolio represents nearly $100 billion in economic investment and more than 50,000 jobs. The program balances the need for rapid infrastructure expansion with environmental and community concerns.
By making the permitting process more transparent and efficient, the IIJA ensures that critical infrastructure projects move forward without unnecessary delays. This shift is expected to improve economic growth while addressing long-term infrastructure challenges.
Conclusion: A More Efficient Future for Infrastructure
The White House and Congress are taking major steps to improve infrastructure development. By making permitting reforms permanent and expanding FAST-41 benefits, they aim to streamline project approvals while maintaining strong environmental protections. These changes will help accelerate the construction of roads, bridges, energy facilities, and other essential projects, ultimately benefiting the economy and communities across the country.