US policy recommendations: how America can unlock its investment potential
How the US government can use federal, state, and local tools to harness private capital
GIIA Members alone have access to $500 billion in patient capital ready to be deployed into American projects: however, current regulations and policies disincentivize action and weaken their ability invest. This second wave of policy papers, written by our policy and research team, calls for a sweeping reassessment of federal, state and local policies to enable and encourage private spending.
The first of this release of papers emphasizes the threats to fulfilling America’s energy needs. Last year’s record US energy consumption of 4,198 billion kWh is expected to increase by a further 15% by 2050. We are calling on policymakers to strengthen federal authority, enhance interagency coordination, and unlock access to existing infrastructure corridors; by accelerating the development of transmission projects, private investment will be key to building an efficient, future-proof grid.
Significant investment continues to flow into energy, transportation, broadband and water infrastructure in America. But shortages of skilled workers risk delaying project delivery, raising costs and limiting the economic potential of future investment. We call on US policymakers to invest now in human capital as well as physical capital.
Our third paper examines the obstacles faced by private investors from current federal budget policies. By reforming the scoring mechanisms, the government can enable smarter investment decisions, better risk-sharing, and long-term cost efficiency, particularly when investment is supported by proven P3 structures.
Last, but certainly not least, we call on Congress and the Administration to advance comprehensive permitting reform. As the policy paper says:
“Delays in environmental reviews, fragmented agency coordination, and burdensome permitting processes threaten the viability of large-scale infrastructure projects, and undermine investor confidence”.
By reinforcing permitting deadlines, introducing clear dispute resolution mechanisms, and ensuring accountability, the Administration can catalyze private investment in infrastructure with lasting impact.
For more on our US policy recommendations, make sure you explore the three previous policy papers, focused on addressing the US investment shortfall. Additionally, our White Paper sets out a path to making the US a top destination for private infrastructure investment.