Will Obama Change Environmental Regs?

One of the most interesting stories across the country right now is how local governments are scrambling to put together wish lists for projects they want funded through the national economic-stimulus package.

Mayor Martin Chávez, for example, wants to build two solar-power plants, a wind farm, a streetcar line and other goodies.

But taking federal money usually means getting environmental clearances, a process that can take years if the project is controversial.

The question is, How will City Hall and other governments get their projects launched quickly to help the economy if they have to do an environmental assessment or impact study?

Ed Adams, the top executive under Chávez, said something will have to change. Obama wants construction to start within six months for projects that get federal funding. Adams believes the environmental process will have to get “streamlined” to make that happen in many cases.

But I wonder whether that’s something the Obama team will be willing to do, and, of course, I’m sure many people will say the regulations are in place for a good reason — to protect the environment.

Perhaps the issue will emerge in the national conversation over the economic-stimulus package, but it doesn’t seem to be getting much attention yet.

I’m trying to do my part to trigger some conversation. I’m hoping to get a story in the Monday paper, with at least some idea of Obama’s thinking on the issue.