Presidential Memorandum Mandates Modernization of Permitting Technology

Presidential Memorandum Mandates Modernization of Permitting Technology

On April 15, 2025, President Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum titled “Updating Permitting Technology for the 21st Century” that directs federal agencies to modernize and streamline the technology used in environmental review and permitting processes for infrastructure projects. This directive aims to accelerate project approvals while maintaining review quality by leveraging digital technologies to replace outdated paper-based systems.

Key elements of the Presidential Memorandum include establishing an interagency Permitting Innovation Center to design and test prototype tools and development of a Permitting Technology Action Plan that will establish data standards and minimum functional requirements for agency systems. The initiative emphasizes eliminating paper-based processes, reducing duplicative submissions, increasing interagency coordination, and improving transparency in project permitting schedules. The memo does not state how or when existing applications will be addressed and resolved.

JSI encourages clients currently engaged in infrastructure projects requiring environmental permits to continue with existing processes while preparing for potential system changes later this year. If your company anticipates filing for environmental permits in the near future, JSI can help you understand how these technological changes might affect your timeline and documentation requirements.

For assistance with environmental permitting strategies or to discuss how these changes might impact your specific projects, please contact Brett Hallagan.