Congress Expands Power of Agency That Reformed Infrastructure Permitting

WASHINGTON - November 8, 2021 - Congress approved the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) on November 5, a historic $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill in American infrastructure and global competitiveness. Among other things, the IIJA makes important Federal infrastructure review and permitting process reforms permanent by re-authorizing the Federal agency responsible for implementing them, the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Permitting Council).   

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to facilitate building out our nation’s infrastructure, and the trust placed in us by Congress to make it so,” said Executive Director Christine Harada.

The legislation also makes the Permitting Council the newest permanent addition to the more than 400 departments, agencies, and sub-agencies in the Federal government. This reaffirms ongoing Congressional commitment to a transparent, predictable, and inclusive Federal environmental review and authorization process for critical infrastructure projects that maximize investment in infrastructure and promotes positive economic, social, and community outcomes.

“I’m pleased the bipartisan infrastructure bill has passed Congress and is heading to the President’s desk for signature since it contains key Federal permitting reforms including expanding and making permanent my bipartisan FAST-41 law that created the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council,” said Senator Rob Portman. “I am proud of the Permitting Council’s good work to date to improve the Federal permitting process without reducing environmental or safety protections and look forward to seeing it continue.”

Additionally, the IIJA improves access to the benefits of Title 41 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST-41) for Tribal-sponsored projects on Tribal-managed lands and gives the Permitting Council Executive Director authority to transfer funds directly to state and Tribal governments involved with significant infrastructure projects.