Challenges to Infrastructure Development
National Environmental Protection Act Review Time
1,200 1,000 2,000 1,800 1,600 1,400
60% INCREASE IN REVIEW TIME
1,862
Energy infrastructure developments often face numerous challenges, including lengthy and duplicative permitting processes with multiple federal, state and local agencies; legal challenges by project opponents designed to block or delay construction from moving forward; an uncertain regulatory environment; and even attempts by project opponents to physically damage infrastructure or hinder construction. In 2000, according to the National Association of Environmental Professionals, it took the federal government an average of 1,166 days (3.2 years) to complete the Environmental Impact Statement required by the National Environmental Protection Act. By 2016, the time required had ballooned to 1,862 days (5.1 years) – not including the time needed for required state and regional analyses. From the time a project is conceived of to the start of construction, a developer can expect years of paperwork, bureaucratic challenges and legal complications. Put simply, it often takes longer for the government to approve a project than it takes for a developer to build it. AFPM acknowledges the need for robust analyses of infrastructure projects to ensure that environmental impacts are appropriately considered. Yet, the current
1,550
1,166
800 600 400 200 0
2000
2008
2016
YEAR
Source: National Association of Environmental Professionals Annual National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Report for 2016
permitting processes and regulatory requirements often hinder needed infrastructure developments. Efforts to reform permitting processes should promote accountability for reviews and ultimately reduce the costs and burdens of delayed infrastructure projects by eliminating duplicative actions, ensuring consistency in reviews and providing timely and predictable review schedules. AFPM supports policies that streamline and enhance the ability of companies to build and maintain energy infrastructure.
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