"EPA Finalizes Rule to Speed Up Disputes Over Permitting"

"The EPA issued a final rule Wednesday that speeds up permit disputes that go before its Environmental Appeals Board.

The changes match up with the Trump administration’s broad effort to speed up environmental permitting, which the administration says will boost economic growth.

In its proposed form, the Environmental Protection Agency’s rule aimed to settle disputes faster by giving parties the choice of using either alternative dispute resolution or a hearing before the appeals board.

If all parties don’t unanimously agree, the permit would become final but could still be challenged in federal court, the EPA said."

Stephen Lee and Ellen M. Gilmer report for Bloomberg Environment July 22, 2020.