MSCI Asks Congress To Approve Comprehensive Permitting Reform

The Metals Service Center Institute (MSCI) joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, and more than 500 other organizations from across all 50 U.S. states to sign letter asking U.S. lawmakers to approve comprehensive permitting reform.

The need for permitting reform is significant. Right now the broken U.S. permitting system is blocking critical infrastructure projects, including data centers, manufacturing facilities, energy pipelines, and more. “Across the country, communities and businesses are ready to invest in projects that will strengthen our economy and improve quality of life — from expanding broadband access and upgrading transportation networks, to building innovative energy facilities that will provide new sources of power to meet growing demand, and modernizing drinking water systems,” the letter said. “But too often, outdated and inefficient permitting processes stand in the way, delaying these investments and driving up costs.” To attract the private sector investment that will be needed get these projects up and running and the U.S. economy moving again, businesses must have certainty that when all the permits required for a project have been obtained, the project can be completed.

The letter asked that any reform bill adhere to the following principles when developing a comprehensive permitting reform bill:

• Predictability: Project developers and financers must have an appropriate level of certainty regarding the scope and timeline for project reviews, including any related review by federal courts;
• Efficiency: Improve interagency coordination in order to optimize public and private resources while driving better environmental and community outcomes;
• Transparency: Offer project sponsors and the public visibility into the project permitting milestones and schedule through an easily accessible public means; and
• Stakeholder Input: Ensure all relevant stakeholders are adequately informed and have the opportunity to provide input within a reasonable and consistent timeframe.

Read the full letter at this link.