Additionally, each state has an environmental permitting process, often managed by whatever state regulatory agency that exists, some programs much more robust than others. The best of them require that any proposed project that wants a permit to build must go through a public notice process where the locals get to participate in a public comment period before a permit is considered. If the public can demonstrate significant opposition and good reasons to deny the permit, it won’t get built.

This is the part that all of us have to play in how this shakes out. If you don’t know much about your state’s permitting process and don’t get involved, you’re silently accepting whatever comes your way. Learn about how you can get involved and show up! Numbers matter at City council meetings, at demonstrations, and for submitted comments to local officials. If you’re already doing this, keep it up! It’s making a difference!