Infrastructure Big Idea #2: Deliver Projects Faster Through Additional Permitting Reform

Unnecessary delays in the permitting process cost money for both the public and private sectors. Direct costs can go up if the costs of materials, supplies, and labor rise during a delay. There is also a public cost to delaying needed infrastructure improvements—older facilities may produce more emissions or break down more often.

Despite the steps taken by Congress and the Trump administration, permitting risk remains a key barrier to attracting more robust private investment in U.S. infrastructure. Congress and the administration should work together to:

• Clarify overlapping permitting initiatives, guidance, and regulatory rulemakings.
• Codify and optimize One Federal Decision.
• Expand NEPA assumption pilots and other best practices to infrastructure sectors beyond transportation.
• Further institutionalize practices and procedures that bring added transparency, predictability, and coordination to the process.

These recommendations focus on common sense, process-oriented reforms, building upon past bipartisan efforts, which will save time and money, and attract increased private sector participation. It is possible to both speed up the permitting and review process, provide greater predictability, and produce improved environmental and social outcomes.