ALBANY—A conservative think tank has proposed a more strict time limit for the state’s environmental review system, recommending the approval process be completed within 300 days.
The Empire Center for New York State Policy included the recommendation in a report on Monday detailing ways the New York’s State Environmental Quality Review can be streamlined to reduce delays on development projects.
Center president E.J. McMahon said the process creates delays and uncertainty for businesses.
“SEQR adds an unnecessary layer of red tape to environmental regulations and local land-use laws, discouraging development that New York needs to promote a strong and growing economy,” McMahon said.
McMahon said the proposed time limit would keep the process from dragging on. Under the center’s recommendations, those conducting the review will have 60 days to identify all potential problems, and 180 days to complete an environmental impact statement.
The report also says SEQR’s reach is too broad and suggests the process no longer include “community character” and traffic measures.
©2013 Capital New York
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