§ 1500.303 - Permit scheduling and coordination.

(a) The Reorganization Plan differentiates between permitting (so-called “nonenforcement”) and enforcement, only the latter function being transferred to the OFI. Nevertheless, the OFI is responsible for coordinating and expediting the issuance of permits and other authorizations by the Federal agencies. Section 9(a) and (b) of ANGTA, and Section 202(b) of the Reorganization Plan. OFI coordination can, for example, take the form of “requiring submission of scheduling plans for all permits;” and “serving as the ‘one window’ point for filing for and issuance of all necessary permits” and data requests. Section 202(b) of the Reorganization Plan.

(b) This coordination function goes beyond mere permit scheduling. It also involves the OFI, pursuant to Section 202(b) of the Reorganization Plan, in evaluating the many discretionary terms and conditions which each Federal agency may impose on ANGTS, to assure that they do not impair project expedition, as per Section 9(c) of ANGTA.