How Trump plans to fast-track mining in Montana

Montana has become the 11th state to sign an agreement with the federal Permitting Council, which oversees FAST-41, a process for speeding up federal reviews of major infrastructure projects. The move could help mining projects progress faster by setting permitting timelines and assigning project coordinators, while making review documents available on a public dashboard.

FAST-41 was created in 2015 and applies only to listed projects subject to federal environmental review; it does not change the underlying environmental laws. A “covered” listing brings expedited procedures, while a “transparency” listing provides a central place to view project information. The article also places the agreement amid wider permitting debates: a Senate bill would make broader changes to environmental laws, and critics warn faster approvals could favour mining and other industrial projects over clean energy.