Avoiding Pitfalls in the Development Approval Process

Learn how to navigate the complex maze of the approval process and avoid costly delays.

Large development projects - pipelines, transmission lines, utility-scale renewable energy facilities, resorts and recreation facilities, and commercial real estate developments, among others - often face multiyear, multijurisdictional approval processes. Depending on a project's footprint and potential impacts, it could require permits and reviews by multiple federal, state and local agencies, each with different responsibilities, procedures, data requirements and processing timelines. This complex web of approvals can be frustrating to navigate and can sometimes lead to significant schedule delays. This topic will provide investors, project developers, managers and attorneys with an understanding of the tools, policies and procedures that are currently available to facilitate expeditious project approvals and avoid delays. The topic will include in particular a review of the legal framework for authorizing a major project in the U.S., as well as recent policy and legislative reforms to streamline federal permitting.