Most of the analysis of regulation in both the article and this discussion thread focuses on what is controlled and where the lines are drawn, but this is actua

Most of the analysis of regulation in both the article and this discussion thread focuses on what is controlled and where the lines are drawn, but this is actually a small part of the experience of regulation. Because of the structure of environmental impact reports and reviews proposals for development are open ended with all manner of input being considered for a period of time that is difficult to even estimate. Changing the process to be more reasonable and have expected time frames for resolution of conflicts one way or the other would greatly improve the experience of development. As it is estimating the time, cost, and risk of failure for development projects is nearly impossible. This unbounded process is a huge barrier no matter what lines get drawn along the way.