QC Chamber joins U.S. Chamber in supporting Permitting Reform

The Quad Cities Chamber, along with hundreds of other Chambers across the country, recently signed a U.S. Chamber of Commerce coalition letter supporting permitting reform and encouraging Congress to take necessary steps to unlock investment across the United States. 

In the U.S., projects like new highways, bridges, clean energy facilities, water systems and broadband networks often take longer than they should to complete, and can become delayed by lengthy processes and outdated permitting requirements. These challenges slow progress, impact our economy and make it harder to stay competitive globally. 

According to the U.S. Chamber, while there are differing perspectives on how Congress should address the permitting challenge, there is consensus that a modernized permitting process requires: 

• Predictability: Project developers and financers must have an appropriate level of certainty regarding the scope and timeline for project reviews, including any related judicial review. 
• Efficiency: Interagency coordination must be improved to optimize public and private resources while driving better environmental and community outcomes. 
• Transparency: Project sponsors and the public must have visibility into the project permitting milestones and schedule through an easily accessible public means. 
• Stakeholder Input: All relevant stakeholders must be adequately informed and have the opportunity to provide input within a reasonable and consistent timeframe. 

The Chamber will continue to monitor progress on this initiative.