This explainer reviews how NWP 27 created huge efficiencies in permitting aquatic resource restoration with widespread benefits to coastal and upland wetlands, streams, and other resources. Other Federal and state regulations could take a cue from this example and streamline projects proven to create a net benefit in natural resources. Photo credit: James Loesch

Ecological restoration projects are often as difficult, if not more so, to permit than development. There are multiple regulatory agencies, exorbitant costs, and often years of time needed to secure proper permits. Obviously, this is a barrier for restoration work. Smaller firms and local efforts often do not have the money, time, or technical expertise to navigate this difficult process and will either abandon or avoid projects because of permitting red tape. Our ecological crises are on tight timelines; we don’t have years to wait around for complicated layers of permits. When speaking about our response to climate crises, Wade Crowfoot, California’s Secretary of Natural Resources succinctly put it, "Winning slowly is still losing. We’re still losing if we’re winning in tiny bites. We need to be doing much bigger things faster. That’s how urgent the situation is."