President Donald Trump’s effort to speed up energy and infrastructure projects could be weakened by an Environmental Protection Agency power that allows permits to be vetoed even after they have been issued. The article argues that this creates uncertainty for developers, as a future administration hostile to a project could potentially halt it after companies have invested substantial time and money.

The authority comes from Section 404(c) of the Clean Water Act, which lets the EPA prohibit or restrict certain activities involving waters and wetlands. It applies to projects requiring federal permits and is presented as a significant obstacle to long-term certainty for energy and infrastructure development, regardless of approvals secured under the current administration.