CEQ Launches New Plan to Modernize Federal Environmental Review Process
Today, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), in collaboration with the National Energy Dominance Council and various permitting agencies, unveiled a Permitting Technology Action Plan aimed at revitalizing the Federal environmental review and permitting processes for infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, mines, factories, and power plants.
The Permitting Technology Action Plan outlines a comprehensive government strategy to harness technology for more effective and efficient environmental permit evaluations. This initiative promises to facilitate seamless information sharing among agencies, simplify the application process for stakeholders, and enhance transparency and predictability regarding environmental review timelines.
The key components of the Permitting Technology Action Plan include:
- Essential functional requirements for environmental review and permitting frameworks;
- An initial set of data and technology standards for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and permitting;
- A timeline and implementation roadmap for various agencies; and
- A governance framework to oversee the execution of the plan.
This action plan stands as a clear indication of the Trump Administration’s determination to streamline and expedite environmental reviews and permitting processes. It fulfills President Trump’s directive, Updating Permitting Technology for the 21st Century, and builds on the creation of the Permitting Innovation Center. In partnership with the General Services Administration’s Technology Transformation Services, the CEQ-led center aims to design and test advanced permitting technology systems to guide Federal agencies in adopting optimal tools.
“The Trump Administration is committed to driving innovation in environmental reviews and permitting reforms that eliminate unnecessary delays hindering U.S. economic growth,” stated Katherine Scarlett, Chief of Staff at the White House Council on Environmental Quality. “Through enhanced interagency coordination, we are taking decisive steps to streamline the NEPA process, allowing America to resume critical infrastructure projects across the board.”
“Under President Trump’s guidance, we will ensure that the Federal government maximizes the use of modern technologies to expedite the permitting process,” remarked Thomas Shedd, Director of Technology Transformation Services at the General Services Administration. “We are dedicated to creating tools that agencies can leverage to speed up environmental reviews and permitting—achieving results in weeks or months, not years.”
The strategies outlined in the Permitting Technology Action Plan aim to address persistent issues highlighted in CEQ’s E-NEPA Report to Congress, such as reliance on antiquated systems, fragmented data management, and disjointed digital tools—underscoring this Administration’s unwavering commitment to achieving exceptional results at the pace of the 21st century.
In Case You Missed It: Trump Administration Propels Permitting Technology into a Modern Era
“We need to drill more, map more, mine more, and build more—while innovating faster than our global competitors,” stated Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “The Permitting Technology Action Plan will harness our greatest asset: American innovation and technology. It aims to overhaul our outdated permitting processes, enabling us to power our nation more efficiently, sustainably, and reliably than ever before.”
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are addressing a malfunctioning system that has stymied vital energy projects nationwide. Outdated permitting frameworks are causing costly delays at a time when we urgently need to enhance capacity and strengthen our energy security,” added Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “As Secretary of Energy and Vice Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council, I wholeheartedly support this decisive action to modernize permitting technology and cut through bureaucratic red tape.”
“President Trump’s recognition of American farmers and ranchers as the backbone of our economy is not just rhetoric. For too long, these producers have faced delays and confusion navigating a convoluted permitting process, which has hindered innovation in energy and timber production,” asserted Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “This groundbreaking Memorandum will enhance efficiency and transparency, allowing farmers, foresters, and producers to focus on their essential work of feeding, fueling, and clothing our nation.”
“Building in America takes too long,” acknowledged Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy. “Outdated regulations and excessive red tape inflate costs and delay projects. It’s time to end this. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are cutting through the bureaucracy and getting back to the essential task of building. Innovative technology will expedite the permitting process.”
“I applaud President Trump for his initiatives to streamline environmental reviews and permitting processes, as they will significantly bolster American innovation and stimulate economic growth. Pillar Three of my Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative focuses on permitting reform, cooperative federalism, and cross-agency partnerships. Under President Trump’s guidance, the EPA will employ technology to enhance efficiency while ensuring quality in the review process, eliminating the prolonged and uncertain permitting procedures of the past,” concluded Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency Lee Zeldin.
