A coalition of business organizations, including the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, has called on Congress to enact comprehensive permitting reform. The letter, sent through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and addressed to members of Congress, urges bipartisan action to modernize the country’s permitting systems.
The letter states: “We write to urge you to take meaningful and bipartisan action to pass comprehensive permitting reform. The time has come to modernize our nation’s permitting systems so that our communities can build the infrastructure necessary to grow our economy, create good-paying jobs, and meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.”
The coalition argues that current permitting processes are outdated and inefficient, causing delays for projects aimed at expanding broadband access, upgrading transportation networks, building new energy facilities, and modernizing drinking water systems. According to the letter: “But too often, outdated and inefficient permitting processes stand in the way, delaying these investments and driving up costs.”
These delays are said to increase construction costs due to inflation and rising material and labor expenses while postponing improvements such as safer roads, better public transit, improved drinking water access, more affordable energy, and high-speed internet. The letter continues: “Families and businesses are left waiting for safer roads, better public transit, improved drinking water access, more affordable energy, and access to high-speed internet—essentials that drive economic growth, improve public health, and enhance quality of life. Improving permitting processes will empower businesses and communities to invest in and deliver the infrastructure needed to address today’s challenges.”
The signatories outline four principles for reform: predictability in project reviews; efficiency through better interagency coordination; transparency via accessible information on project milestones; and stakeholder input within reasonable timeframes.
“A modernized permitting system will help us build smarter, faster, and more sustainably—we just need a system that keeps pace with our ambition. We urge Congress to work across the aisle to enact durable legislation this fall that reflects the urgency and opportunity before us. Our communities are ready to build,” the letter concludes.
Organizations from Arizona joining this effort include local chambers such as those from Buckeye Valley, Carefree Cave Creek, Chandler, Gilbert, Graham County, Greater Flagstaff, Greater Phoenix, Greater Sedona, Green Valley Sahuarita & Visitor Center, Kingman Area Lake Havasu Area Mesa Nogales Santa Cruz County & Visitor Center Northwest Valley Peoria Prescott Valley Queen Creek Scottsdale Area Tempe Southern Arizona.
