Minnesota’s environmental permitting system is designed to protect natural resources while supporting economic activity. In 2024, Barr Engineering Co., in collaboration with Policy Navigation Group and law firm Squire Patton Boggs, completed a benchmarking study for the Minnesota Chamber Foundation examining how Minnesota’s permitting processes compare with those of 10 peer states.
The research found that permitting timelines for certain air and water permits in Minnesota are often longer and less predictable than in comparable states. It also identified opportunities to improve process clarity, consistency, and transparency—without compromising environmental standards.
These findings closely align with the direction outlined in Executive Order 26‑03, issued in February 2026. The order calls on state agencies to revisit permitting goals, reduce timelines for certain permits, and improve coordination and customer experience while maintaining Minnesota’s strong environmental protections.
Taken together, the research and the executive order underscore an important point: environmental protection and economic opportunity are not mutually exclusive. Data-driven process improvements can support both.
As implementation moves forward, continued benchmarking and transparent reporting will be essential to understanding progress and enabling reforms to achieve their intended outcomes. Barr’s research provides a factual foundation for that ongoing conversation and highlights the value of using comparative data to inform policy and administrative decisions.
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