Signed MOU paves way for shorter approval times for environmental reviews and public project permits
Last week, the department heads signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the implementation of an executive order to speed up the regulatory processes. The event was seen as a momentous win for public officials who have often waited decades for environmental reviews to be completed. Yet before the cheering ended, the Natural Resources Defense Council cautioned against fast-tracking environmental reviews. The organization called the move an ideological attack on environmental safeguards. Their objections will likely slow the process of change.
President Trump has promised to shorten the time it takes for federal agencies to approve environmental reviews and issue permits for large public projects. Many have scoffed at the Administration’s claims. But maybe – just maybe – change is in the wind. Last week, department heads signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the implementation […]
As the fight over funding rages on in Washington, Congress is suggesting new ways to scoop up revenue that could have a very negative impact on America’s airports. A Senate proposal to nearly double the passage facility charge, which is known as the airport tax, has executives of six airlines urging Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao […]
Solar Energy Industry Sector Gets Slammed
Projections of a possible record year for electric power production from renewable energy sources have been tempered significantly by actions of the Trump administration. The announcement that the U.S. government would impose a 30 percent tariff on imported solar equipment such as photovoltaic cells and modules created shudders throughout the industry. And the shockwaves were hardest felt by the very segment of the industry that in 2017 pushed renewables toward a new record for 2018 – solar energy.
The expanded use and funding for Private Activity Bonds (PABs) has again taken over the spotlight in infrastructure debate in America. A six-page document claimed to be the draft outline for President Trump’s long-awaited national infrastructure plan was leaked this week and PABs are among the major infrastructure funding principles addressed. The leaked plan does not yet […]
This week Senate lawmakers called for total defense spending in fiscal 2018, which begins Oct. 1, of $700 billion. A total of $696.5 billion was proposed by the House committee Monday, which was approved by the House Appropriations Committee Thursday. The Senate committee’s summary of the bill stated that it backed a $640 billion base budget for the Defense Department and the national security programs […]
If President Donald Trump is serious about his “Make America Great Again” campaign, state officials have more than 300 suggestions for him that they think will help do just that. And U.S. Senate Democrats are “trumping” his idea with an infrastructure plan of their own. The Trump plan calls for infusing $1 trillion in investments […]
