Our nation’s permitting process has become far too inefficient, leading to massive delays that threaten the viability of critical infrastructure projects in Maine and throughout the country. While Congress has made some progress to reform the permitting process this year, there is still more work to do.

The delays created by the permitting process prevent shovel-ready projects from moving forward, while also increasing costs and risks for investors, essentially removing any incentive to invest. The longer the process takes, the more this is true. Without federal permitting reform, projects that could help create jobs, support local businesses, spur economic growth, and result in quality-of-life benefits will continue to face significant delays that undermine their financial viability.

Congress has made some progress on this issue recently. Part of the debt ceiling deal passed earlier this summer includes the first significant reforms of our federal permitting process in more than 50 years. This includes updating the National Environmental Policy Act permitting process by requiring the agency to complete a given project’s permitting process within two years.

While these reforms are important, Congress must continue to prioritize bipartisan permitting reform. Fortunately, Sen. Susan Collins knows how to work across the aisle to get things done. With her support and leadership, I am confident Congress can pass further permitting reform legislation this session.

Former State Rep. Dale Crafts, Lisbon