“Tribal, state and local governments would have to operate within shortened review and response timeframes and more precisely drawn roles for participation in decision-making.”
“At the same time, it is important for local leaders to have a seat at the table and maintain local authority and decision-making in the project siting and permitting review process,” she said.
Williams said that while NLC is still reviewing the proposed legislation, three of the bill’s permitting reform provisions stand out as particularly important for local governments.
This would ensure local governments are part of the NEPA review process from the beginning, she said.
Narrow the scope of projects subject to NEPA review, excluding “projects with no or minimal federal funding, projects that replace life-line infrastructure (such as transportation, water and other public works projects) and more.”