Accelerating Economic Recovery From COVID-19 by Expediting Infrastructure
Jun 9, 2020
Signed by: Donald Trump
Signed on: Jun 4, 2020
Published on: Jun 9, 2020
Jun 9, 2020
Signed by: Donald Trump
Signed on: Jun 4, 2020
Published on: Jun 9, 2020
Summary
Tells government agencies to use their emergency powers to approve infrastructure projects faster to create jobs and boost the economy after the COVID-19 crisis.
What problem does this solve?
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a major economic downturn with high unemployment. This order aims to speed up the economy's recovery by fast-tracking infrastructure projects, which can create jobs and stimulate growth.
What does this order do?
Use of emergency powers
Directs all federal agencies to use their emergency powers to speed up infrastructure projects and other actions to help the economy recover.
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Expediting the delivery of transportation infrastructure projects
Faster transportation projects
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to speed up work on all authorized highway and other infrastructure projects.
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National environmental policy act (NEPA) emergency regulations and emergency procedures
Faster environmental reviews
Tells agencies to use emergency rules and other shortcuts to speed up environmental reviews required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
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Expediting the delivery of civil works projects within the purview of the army corps of engineers
Faster Army Corps of Engineers projects
Requires the Secretary of the Army to speed up all authorized civil works projects, such as those related to dams, levees, and waterways.
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Expediting the delivery of infrastructure and other projects on federal lands
Faster projects on federal lands
Directs the Secretaries of Defense, Interior, and Agriculture to speed up infrastructure, energy, and environmental projects on federal lands.
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Endangered species act (ESA) emergency consultation regulations
Emergency rules for endangered species
Instructs agencies to use emergency rules under the Endangered Species Act to avoid delays in project approvals.
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Emergency regulations and nationwide permits under the clean water act (CWA) and other statutes administered by the army corps of engineers
Emergency water permits
Directs agencies to use emergency permitting rules under the Clean Water Act to fast-track project approvals.
Requires regular progress reports
Mandates that agencies report every 30 days on which projects they have sped up and the status of those projects.
Who does this affect?
- Federal agencies
- Construction and energy companies
- Environmental organizations
What is the real world impact?
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Stimulates economic growth
Aims to create jobs and jumpstart the economy by getting large-scale construction and infrastructure projects started more quickly.
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Reduces regulatory burdens
Uses the COVID-19 emergency as a reason to bypass or speed up environmental reviews and other regulations that can slow down projects. Critics argue this could weaken important protections for the environment and public health.
When does this start?
This order takes effect immediately on June 4, 2020, and sets several deadlines for agencies to report their actions.
Initial agency reports
Within 30 days of the order, all relevant agencies must provide initial reports listing projects and actions they plan to expedite.
Ongoing status reports
After their initial reports, agencies must provide updated status reports every 30 days for the duration of the national emergency.