Infrastructure Permitting (E.O. 13807)

Summary

Makes the federal environmental review and permit process for infrastructure projects faster, more coordinated, and more predictable.

What problem does this solve?

Delays in getting federal permits for infrastructure projects increase costs and prevent improvements that would help the economy. This order creates a faster, more accountable system to approve projects.

What does this order do?

Sets a two-year goal for project reviews

Aims to complete all federal environmental reviews and permit decisions for major infrastructure projects within two years.

Creates the 'One Federal Decision' policy

Requires federal agencies to issue a single, combined Record of Decision (ROD) for major projects, coordinated by one lead agency.

Establishes an agency accountability system

Creates a performance tracking and scoring system for federal agencies to measure how well they meet project timelines and goals.

Sets a 90-day deadline for permits after review

Mandates that all federal permits for a major project must be issued within 90 days after the final environmental review document (ROD) is published.

Revokes the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard

Cancels Executive Order 13690, which required federal agencies to account for rising sea levels and other flood risks when building projects.

Directs CEQ to modernize environmental reviews

Orders the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to update rules and guidance to simplify and speed up the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.

Who does this affect?

Infrastructure developers and project sponsors
Federal agencies involved in permitting
State, tribal, and local governments

What is the real world impact?

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Speeds up project approvals

Aims to reduce the time it takes for large infrastructure projects to get federal approval, which can encourage more private investment and create jobs faster.

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Reduces regulatory burdens

Critics might argue that by setting strict deadlines and simplifying reviews, the order could lead to less thorough environmental analysis, potentially harming communities and natural resources.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately on August 15, 2017, and sets several deadlines for agencies to implement its new policies.

CAP Goal Establishment

Within 180 days of August 15, 2017, the Office of Management and Budget must establish a Cross-Agency Priority (CAP) Goal for modernizing infrastructure permitting.

Accountability System Guidance

Within 180 days of the CAP Goal being set, the Office of Management and Budget must issue guidance for a new performance accountability system.

CEQ Modernization Plan

Within 30 days of August 15, 2017, the Council on Environmental Quality must create a list of actions it will take to modernize the environmental review process.