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CNMI Senator Celina Babauta held an informal meeting with multiple government agencies in the Senate chamber today to learn more about the permitting process which she described as “too slow and complicated.” Babauta wants to identify the bottleneck amid all the red tape and said that one investor she spoke with said it took nine months to get an earthmoving permit.
Senator Babauta, and Reps. Marissa Flores, Roy Ada, Vincent Aldan, Elias Rangamar, Roman Benavente, and Raymond Palacios questioned agency heads from the Commonwealth Zoning Board, Historic Preservation Office, Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Lands and Natural Resources, and Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.
Babauta said the goal is to simplify the process and reduce delays. Ultimately, she wants to make it easier for businesses to invest in the CNMI.
As an alternative, Babauta is also proposing a “conditional permit” for six to nine months. She hopes some agency heads will take the lead on this proposal. She explained that agencies can be proactive and conduct surveys to identify areas that are essentially ready for development as other agencies that require more time conduct their process.
“Overregulation is costing us jobs and opportunities,” the Senator said.
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Story by Thomas Manglona II
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