Expediting Environmental Reviews and Approvals for High Priority Infrastructure Projects

Jan 30, 2017

Summary

Makes the process for checking the environmental impact of important building projects, like bridges and pipelines, faster.

What problem does this solve?

Important building projects were often slowed down by long government review processes, which increased costs. This order creates a way to label certain projects as "high priority" to speed up their environmental reviews and approvals.

What does this order do?

Creates a "high priority" project label

Allows the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to name an infrastructure project as "high priority" at the request of a governor or federal agency head.

Sets fast-tracked deadlines for reviews

Requires the CEQ Chairman to work with agencies to set faster schedules and deadlines for completing environmental reviews of high-priority projects.

Requires agencies to explain delays

If an agency misses a deadline for a high-priority project, its leader must write to the CEQ Chairman explaining why and what they are doing to finish the review quickly.

Who does this affect?

Infrastructure and construction companies
State governments
Federal environmental agencies

What is the real world impact?

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Boosts economic growth and job creation

Aims to strengthen the economy, create jobs, and make America more competitive by getting major infrastructure projects like pipelines, bridges, and highways built faster.

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Reduces environmental oversight

Critics may argue that rushing environmental reviews could lead to overlooking potential harm to the environment, public safety, or private property rights in favor of faster construction.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately and sets a new deadline for certain decisions.

Decision on high priority status

Within 30 days of receiving a request, the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality must decide if a project qualifies as high priority.