The current administration plans to modernize the technology used in evaluating environmental permits, addressing delays that impact infrastructure projects and economic well-being. The goal is to implement modern technologies to resolve longstanding issues, delivering results faster. The President has directed federal agencies to maximize technology use in environmental review and permitting processes for various infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and power plants.
The initiative requires agencies to ditch paper applications, accelerating processing times without compromising review quality. "Executive departments and agencies (agencies) shall make maximum use of technology in environmental review and permitting processes for infrastructure projects of all kinds," states the memorandum. The plan aims to streamline processes, reduce data submissions, and improve transparency.
Within 45 days, the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), in cooperation with the National Energy Dominance Council, will roll out a Permitting Technology Action Plan. This plan will standardize data and technology for permit applications under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and other laws. It will also establish minimum requirements for software systems, devise a roadmap for unified systems, and outline governance and timelines for the plan's execution.
"The Permitting Technology Action Plan shall include: an initial data and technology standard for permit applications and reviews," the memorandum states. It will focus on integrating agency systems and optimizing digital infrastructure for better outcomes.
To expedite the implementation, an interagency Permitting Innovation Center will be created within 15 days to design and test prototype tools under the plan. The General Services Administration's Technology Transformation Services will assist in setting up the Permitting Innovation Center.
"Within 15 days of the date of this memorandum, the Chairman of CEQ shall establish and lead an interagency Permitting Innovation Center," instructed the President, placing emphasis on facilitating quick adoption of prototype systems.
The initiative targets a more efficient environmental permitting process, aiming to speed up decision-making and ensure better federal and local coordination.
