America's infrastructure project approval process has become notoriously slow, often taking decades to complete projects that once took mere months or years. This sluggishness places the US behind many developed nations, especially in the energy sector. A key factor contributing to these delays is inefficient permitting, which threatens to undermine recent federal infrastructure investments.

The recent bipartisan debt ceiling deal, negotiated by President Biden and Speaker McCarthy, included some much-needed permitting reforms. This is a positive step forward, but more work remains. The bill's updates to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) aim to reduce bureaucratic hurdles by setting a two-year time limit for project reviews and assigning a single federal agency to lead each review. This helps address the redundancy and uncertainty that often bogs down projects.

However, deadlines alone are insufficient. Even after projects clear environmental assessments and public comment periods, they can face lengthy legal challenges. The mere threat of litigation can force agencies into excessively detailed analyses, further delaying progress. The SunZia transmission project, which took 15 years to gain approval, exemplifies this broken system. Similar drawn-out approvals have plagued projects in Utah and Louisiana, highlighting the nationwide scope of this issue.

Further reforms are needed to streamline the public comment process, set clear standards, and limit judicial review after those standards are met. While environmental safeguards and community input are crucial, they shouldn't come at the cost of unreasonable delays. Governors from both parties agree that a balanced approach is possible.

With over a trillion dollars allocated for infrastructure improvements, efficient permitting is essential to avoid wasting funds on endless analysis and legal battles. States can play a vital role by leveraging their expertise and implementing innovative solutions. Reforms that empower states through revenue-sharing and other support mechanisms could significantly expedite the process.

Ultimately, project approvals shouldn't take longer than construction itself. Permitting delays hinder economic growth, national security, and competitiveness. By continuing to collaborate on permitting reform, Congress and the administration can achieve a significant bipartisan victory that revitalizes America's infrastructure development.