Enhancing Federal Permitting: The Biden Administration’s Strategic Investment in Infrastructure

The Biden administration is taking significant steps to bolster federal agencies’ capacity to handle the increasing demands of permitting work associated with a surge of federally funded infrastructure projects. This initiative is particularly crucial in light of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, which have allocated substantial resources for infrastructure development across the United States.

A $15 Million Investment in Permitting Efficiency

To address the anticipated rise in environmental reviews and permitting tasks, the Federal Permitting Council has announced a $15 million investment aimed at developing a new contracting tool. This initiative, as articulated by the Council’s Executive Director Eric Beightel, is designed to provide federal agencies with the necessary surge support to expedite reviews and permitting processes effectively.

Beightel emphasized the transformative potential of this investment during the inaugural Infrastructure Developers Summit held at the Agriculture Department’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. He stated, “This will be a game-changer, as we work with agencies to ensure they have the right type of support at the right time, to avoid unnecessary delays in delivering our critical infrastructure.”

Modernizing Permitting Systems

The Federal Permitting Council is not starting from scratch; it has already invested $40 million in modernizing outdated federal IT systems. These upgrades are crucial for streamlining the permitting process, allowing agencies to leverage artificial intelligence to enhance administrative efficiency. By automating routine tasks, subject matter experts can focus on the analytical work that requires their expertise.

In addition to IT improvements, the council is funding projects aimed at implementing web-based permit applications and enhancing mapping and data-sharing strategies. Beightel noted, “We can’t afford to rely on outdated systems and inefficient procedures, or siloed thinking with parochial interests for us to achieve our infrastructure goals.”

Streamlining Hiring and Collaboration

Recognizing the urgent need for new talent to manage the influx of projects, the council is collaborating with the Office of Personnel Management to streamline cross-agency hiring initiatives. Beightel pointed out that improving the efficiency of the hiring process is essential to fill vacant positions more quickly and effectively.

The council has already assisted 40 projects in navigating federal environmental review and permitting requirements, enabling them to advance to construction and operation phases. Remarkably, projects supported by the council are completing the federal permitting process nearly 18 months faster than those that are not.

A Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

The Biden administration is committed to ensuring that projects progress on a predictable timeline, with transparency into the necessary steps and sequencing. Beightel emphasized the importance of holding agencies and sponsors accountable to meet these timelines, which is vital for the successful delivery of infrastructure projects.

Lael Brainerd, director of the National Economic Council, echoed this sentiment, stating that the council’s investment will provide federal agencies with the “surge capacity” needed for better and faster permitting. She highlighted the critical role that streamlined permitting processes play in maintaining the U.S.’s leadership in emerging industries, such as semiconductor production and artificial intelligence.

Leveraging Digital Tools for Modernization

In July, the White House’s Council on Environmental Quality recommended that agencies utilize digital tools to modernize the environmental review process. Brainerd noted that the president has emphasized the need for all agencies to expedite their efforts to facilitate both private and public sector investments.

Acting Interior Deputy Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis remarked that the council’s initiatives are enhancing the internal workings of agencies, from IT improvements to staffing increases. The Interior Department has already permitted over 41 projects on federal lands during the Biden administration, exceeding its goal of providing 25 gigawatts of energy by 2025 through various clean-energy projects.

Tracking Progress and Ensuring Collaboration

The Federal Permitting Council maintains an online dashboard that tracks federally funded infrastructure upgrades, providing a visual representation of the progress made across various projects. This transparency is crucial for understanding the complexities involved in the permitting process and the interdependencies between different agencies.

Beightel emphasized the importance of collaboration among agencies and industries in the permitting process. By ensuring that all stakeholders have a voice, the council aims to mitigate delays caused by permit issues, which can have cascading effects on project delivery.

Aligning with Climate Goals

The Biden administration’s infrastructure agenda is closely aligned with its ambitious climate goals, including achieving a carbon pollution-free energy industry by 2035 and a net-zero emissions economy by 2050. Deputy Energy Secretary David Turk highlighted the need for permitting agencies to keep pace with the growing demand for clean energy, noting that the U.S. has put twice as much clean energy on the electrical grid in 2024 compared to previous years.

Turk stressed the importance of unleashing the private sector, investors, and developers to build at the necessary scale and pace. He acknowledged that while regulations are essential, the permitting process should not become a bottleneck for good projects.

Conclusion

The Biden administration’s proactive approach to enhancing federal permitting processes is a critical step toward realizing its infrastructure and climate goals. By investing in modern technology, streamlining hiring, and fostering collaboration, the administration aims to create a more efficient and effective permitting landscape. As the nation embarks on a transformative journey toward sustainable infrastructure, these efforts will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of America’s energy and infrastructure sectors.