Energy infrastructure is subject to a complex regime of regulatory, permitting and siting requirements at all levels of government. Actions taken by the current and previous Administrations have made meaningful inroads toward simplifying this complex regulatory landscape and reducing the regulatory burden.
Specifically, the creation and initial implementation of a fast-track process for infrastructure permitting (FAST-41) and the actions specified in Executive Order No. 13766 (Expediting Environmental Reviews and Approvals for High Priority Infrastructure Projects) and Executive Order No. 13807 (Establishing Discipline and Accountability in the Environmental Review and Permitting Process for Infrastructure Projects) establish a much-needed path forward for streamlining the process of approving energy infrastructure systems. While these executive actions constitute strong first steps, continued efforts are needed at all levels of government to fully implement reforms, eliminate costly delays and uncertainties, and unlock critical investments in energy infrastructure.