Utah signs federal permitting deal to speed infrastructure projects

WASHINGTON (UI) — Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council and the state of Utah have signed a new agreement aimed at streamlining permitting for major infrastructure and energy projects through closer coordination between state and federal agencies.

The memorandum of understanding was signed during the Operation Gigawatt Summit in Park City, Utah, by Permitting Council Executive Director Emily Domenech and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.

Under the agreement, Utah will participate in the federal FAST-41 permitting process and align state environmental review timelines with federal reviews to reduce delays for infrastructure projects.

The agreement also establishes a framework for identifying priority infrastructure projects within the state and improving transparency surrounding permitting actions.

Domenech said the partnership is intended to improve coordination and create a more predictable permitting environment for infrastructure development.

“By aligning state and federal permitting timelines, Utah is establishing a more efficient and transparent permitting process that will drive investment to the state, speed energy and natural resources development and advance President Trump’s infrastructure agenda,” Domenech said.

Cox said Utah’s goal is to improve project delivery while reducing permitting uncertainty.

“This agreement will help align state and federal permitting processes so that major projects can move forward with greater transparency, coordination and predictability,” Cox said.

According to the Permitting Council, the federal government will provide technical support for projects identified through the agreement, including assistance with FAST-41 eligibility, agency coordination and permit review processes.

Utah becomes the fourth state to enter into a permitting agreement with the Permitting Council, following similar agreements with Alaska, Idaho and Tennessee.