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Trump Signs Infrastructure Projects Executive Order

By Harper Gay posted 08-17-2017 14:22

  

On August 15, President Trump signed an executive order focused on infrastructure for the second time in two months. Two of his last four executive orders have been intended to establish guidelines for an infrastructure investment program.

Coming shortly after the order forming an advisory council for infrastructure projects, the President’s latest executive order took steps to expedite the permitting and approval process for infrastructure projects. It establishes a two year parameter for “completing all federal environmental reviews and authorization decisions,” calls for creation of a project tracking and scoring system, centralizes responsibility for under one federal agency and empowers a newly created environmental quality council to “enhance and modernize” the existing process. Of note, the order also revokes the Federal Flood Protection Standard, reducing conservative siting and design requirements.

So what do these latest executive orders mean for IDEA membership? At a minimum, these actions demonstrate that infrastructure investment, a high priority on the campaign trail, remains on the Administration’s to-do list and that some of its policy ideas are maturing into actionable recommendations. While still far from a legislative package, these actions signal intent.

The recent cancellation of the infrastructure advisory council or Congress’ packed legislative agenda could curb further infrastructure action this year. But these executive orders show that the Administration is focused on maneuvering what it views as necessary policy building blocks into place.  

This article from Utility Dive further summarizes Trump’s latest executive order. Find the executive order document here.



#News #UnitedStates #NorthAmerica #PolicyandRegulation
#IDEAStaff
#Infrastructure
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