Environmental Permitting
Issue
What legislation and regulatory changes will streamline and reduce the cost of the state’s environmental permitting processes?
Policy
Minnesota businesses statewide have expressed frustration and concern about the length of time required to process environmental permits. To maximize competitiveness in a global economy, companies seeking industrial permits - whether for existing, expanding or new facilities - must be assured of the clarity, timeliness, predictability and accountability of the environmental review and permitting process.
Minnesota Chamber members advocate:
- Management efficiency evaluations of permitting and environmental review programs by agencies to assess program and staff effectiveness and to create management tools to improve the timeliness of the process.
- Conducting performance audits of environmental regulatory programs on a regular basis to ensure that maximum efficiency is being achieved.
- Reliance on scientifically sound and verified data and elimination of requirements for redundant data.
- Requiring definitive timeframes to provide predictability.
- Reducing administrative costs.
- Encouraging “one-stop shopping” for permits.
Business Impact
Sensible environmental regulations allow Minnesota to maintain a clean environment and a healthy business climate while fostering economic development throughout the state. Companies need certainty in the regulatory process when expanding or starting a business. The current permitting process can be intimidating, confusing and costly. All costs and regulatory requirements are compared against other states. Permits must be received in months, not years, so businesses are encouraged to expand or locate to Minnesota. Minnesota businesses want an efficient, expedient regulatory environment, providing clarity, timeliness and predictability while maintaining a strong safety and environmental protection program.
This web site is developed and owned by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Any use or reprinting is strictly prohibited without prior consent of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
