One misconception about projects in the US is the rigor by which they are scrutinized. From the perspective of the project builder, it often seems onerous and daunting. Which, when we consider one step along the way, the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), makes some sense. There are three rounds of public and stakeholder comments for the EIS alone! No wonder fewer than half of 22 high-voltage transmission projects were still on hold after nearly a decade of development.
Resource development and clean energy projects should be constructed responsibly. But when does this veer into roadblock territory?
Sources:
American Bar Association - https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/publications/teaching-legal-docs/teaching-legal-docs--what-is-an-environmental-impact-statement-/
USDA - https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsm91_050146.pdf
NASA - https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/files/What_is_an_EIS.pdf
BOEM - https://www.boem.gov/environment/environmental-assessment/what-environmental-impact-statement-eis-process
