Tuesday, May 28 2013 4:48PM

A new partnership between Oregon and Washington may help speed up the beginning and completion of energy projects in the region.

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced an agreement between Oregon and Washington to expedite the review and permitting of energy generation, power transmission and other vital infrastructure development in the Pacific Northwest.

The Declaration of Cooperation establishes the Pacific Northwest Regional Infrastructure Team, which will be charged with seeking solutions to speed up the review and permitting process, as well as narrow down potential cross-border issues that are inhibiting energy development in the regioin.

Projects under the new team's jurisdiction include renewable energy generation, electricity transmission, broadband, pipelines, ports and waterways and the management and protection of water system services. The agency notes that the new team is modeled after a similar but separate initiative carried out in California.

"By cutting red tape, expanding information technology tools and conducting concurrent state and federal reviews, we can trim months, if not years, off the time it takes to review and approve projects," said Interior Secretary Sally Jewell. "We will continue to ensure that vital infrastructure is designed, built and maintained in a way that protects public health, safety and the environment, while creating jobs and expediting economic growth."

Lacking or antiquated energy infrastructure in several rural regions, including those in Oregon, Washington and Alaska, have made it challenging for many residents to secure reliable electricity, internet services and phone services. 

For more information, check out this resource: The Department of the Interior