AI for Environmental Permitting Review
Description
The environmental review process is lengthy and burdensome. We are using AI at several steps in our proposed environmental review solution, including an AI evaluation stage and in comment processing.
Detailed example
For the AI evaluation stage, the output is a prediction that a given application is either a simple "Categorical Exclusion," or requires more human intervention.
AI / analytics pattern
Natural Language Processing: AI that processes, interprets, and shares information in human language.
Automation level / stage
b) Pilot – The use case has been deployed in a limited test or pilot capacity.
Expected benefit
Faster time to environmental permit issuance, with fewer people and hours needed to get to a "break ground" phase.
Audit / financial statement impact
AI is not making any final decisions, only recommendations for authorized staff to review.
Controls / human review
ATO: No; PIA: Not published
Data needed
For AI evaluation, we've fed it libraries of "Categorical Exclusion" rules and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations. For comment processing, machine learning based on prior comments, as well as relevant environmental rules and regulations being fed in as context.