For 53 years, permitting has been a core tenet of environmental protection in the United States, requiring a variety of projects to receive environmental impact statements and public input. But as clean energy, electricity transition, and forest management projects have faced delays of several years due to this bureaucratic process, many have questioned if the current permitting system could be doing more harm than good. Last month, Congress took a first step by passing the bipartisan Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), but permitting absolutely still has room to improve. Today, we explore the opportunities permitting presents, what challenges the process has created, and how the system could reach its full potential as an environmental solution. With special guest Danielle Stokes: Assistant Professor of Law at Richmond University.

The Sweaty Penguin is presented by Peril and Promise: a public media initiative from The WNET Group in New York, reporting on the issues and solutions around climate change. You can learn more at pbs.org/perilandpromise.

Support the show and unlock exclusive merch, bonus content, and more for as little as $5/month at patreon.com/thesweatypenguin.

CREDITS
Writers: Mikaela Gonzalez, Hallie Cordingley, Mo Polyak, Ethan Brown
Fact Checker: Ainsley Jane Tambling
Editor: Megan Antone
Producers: Ethan Brown, Hallie Cordingley, Shannon Damiano, Owen Reith
Ad Voiceover: Maddie Salman
Music: Brett Sawka

The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of Peril and Promise or The WNET Group.