Gov. Little signs new act to enhance state permitting process

BOISE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Idaho politicians gathered on Friday for the signing of a new executive order aimed at further streamlining the state permitting process.

Gov. Brad Little signed the Strategic Permitting, Efficiency and Economic Development (SPEED) Act alongside Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke and several state agency directors, according to the Office of the Governor. The order aims to coordinate state permitting on projects ranging from energy independence to national security and the economy.

Gov. Little said that while Idaho leads the nation in streamlining regulations, the state has room to improve.

“Idaho leads the nation in streamlining regulations and promoting good government, but there is always more we can do to improve,” Gov. Little said. “With President Trump’s return to the White House, there is a renewed focus on efficiency in government at the federal level. In that same spirit, here in Idaho, we are going to take even more steps to make sure state government does not get in the way of projects that support our economy.”

The SPEED Act creates a council comprised of several state agency directors responsible for reviewing permits, according to the office. Projects may include electricity generation and transmission projects, mining projects, data center development, fabrication facilities, water facilities and more.

Richard Stover, the Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources administrator, will chair the SPEED Council. At the same time, Lt. Gov. Bedke will advise the council.

Lt. Gov. Bedke said that the state government should work hard as the people it serves and repeated Gov. Little’s desire to improve regulations further.

“I applaud Gov. Little’s administration for taking this next logical step and keeping our foot on the gas when it comes to removing barriers that make Idaho an even better place to live,” Lt. Gov. Bedke said. “I look forward to my involvement with the SPEED Council and moving forward projects that are critical in energy, national security and economic growth.”

The SPEED Act also focuses on increasing project collaboration, boosting public transparency and eliminating unnecessary statutes and rules, according to the office.