The duration of administrative proceedings in environmental law – possible solutions in view of the fourth industrial revolution
- On the one hand, environmental law is well-known for its lengthy permit procedures. On the other, the response to climate change and its prevention, as well as the ever-quicker pace of industry, demand rapid and agile action. If government agencies (in Germany) continue along their current path and do not accelerate their actions this alone could prevent industry from growing and evolving. "Simple" solutions, such as shortening procedures, are not possible since European law is binding as regards requiring that certain aspects of procedural law be fulfilled. If this conflict between procedural environmental law and he flexibility demanded in economic life is not resolved, significant challenges are to be expected for the German economy. One possible solution would be to examine the changing technological approaches in industry, particularly as regards the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and apply these to the actions of government agencies. These aproaches will be assessed for theirOn the one hand, environmental law is well-known for its lengthy permit procedures. On the other, the response to climate change and its prevention, as well as the ever-quicker pace of industry, demand rapid and agile action. If government agencies (in Germany) continue along their current path and do not accelerate their actions this alone could prevent industry from growing and evolving. "Simple" solutions, such as shortening procedures, are not possible since European law is binding as regards requiring that certain aspects of procedural law be fulfilled. If this conflict between procedural environmental law and he flexibility demanded in economic life is not resolved, significant challenges are to be expected for the German economy. One possible solution would be to examine the changing technological approaches in industry, particularly as regards the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and apply these to the actions of government agencies. These aproaches will be assessed for their compatability with he applicable law in Germany.…
