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18/12/2024 - How AI is Accelerating Environmental Permitting in the US (USA)

argument: Notizie/News - Environmental Law

Source: Bloomberg Law

Bloomberg Law details the White House's efforts to leverage artificial intelligence for expediting environmental permitting processes. The initiative, led by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), aims to use AI tools to analyze large datasets, streamline project reviews, and reduce bottlenecks in regulatory approvals. By accelerating these processes, the government hopes to facilitate infrastructure development while maintaining environmental safeguards.

The article highlights how AI applications could improve the accuracy of impact assessments, reduce redundancy in environmental reviews, and enable agencies to identify critical environmental concerns more efficiently. This approach aligns with broader efforts to modernize infrastructure while meeting climate and sustainability targets.

However, the use of AI in such contexts raises concerns about transparency and the potential for bias in decision-making. Critics warn that over-reliance on automated systems could undermine public trust if not accompanied by clear accountability measures. The White House emphasizes that AI will be a complementary tool, supporting but not replacing human expertise, as part of a balanced regulatory framework.