CEQ Launches Permitting Innovators Program to Modernise Federal Environmental Review

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has issued a call for technology solutions under its new Permitting Innovators program. This initiative aims to accelerate and modernise federal environmental review and permitting processes by addressing specific technology gaps identified in the Permitting Technology Action Plan. The program aligns with the goals set out in a recent presidential memorandum, seeking to bridge the divide between industry innovation and government requirements.

Eligible submissions will be evaluated by CEQ and partner agencies, which have determined that deeper collaboration is necessary to meet the bold timelines established by the memorandum. The program is designed to connect data, systems, and processes, thereby enhancing collaboration between federal agencies and the American public. By crowdsourcing these solutions, the CEQ hopes to ensure timely environmental review across the Federal government.

The initiative is being facilitated by the NASA Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation (CoECI). This centre assists in the use of crowdsourcing across the Federal government, offering the capability to run external challenges on behalf of agencies including the CEQ. Through this partnership, the CEQ's Permitting Innovation Center invites participants to share technological solutions that can streamline current workflows and improve efficiency.

Selected applicants will be invited to the inaugural Permitting Innovators Expo, scheduled to take place in July. At this event, participants will have the opportunity to demo their solutions to federal agency staff and the broader environmental review and permitting community. This demonstration phase is a key component of the program, allowing for direct feedback and validation of the proposed technologies.

In addition to the live demonstrations, the top solutions identified through the evaluation process will be featured in the Permitting Innovators Solutions Catalog. This resource will serve as a repository for successful innovations, making them accessible for wider adoption within the sector. The catalog aims to highlight the most effective methods for modernising the regulatory landscape.

Participants wishing to submit their proposals must adhere to a strict deadline. All submissions must be received by 6:00 p.m. ET on 2 June 2026. For further details on the program requirements and submission guidelines, interested parties are directed to the official Permitting Innovators website.