40th Environmental Permitting Summer School

Eric Beightel is a nationally recognized expert in environmental policy, infrastructure permitting, and regulatory strategy, with over 25 years of experience across federal, state, and private sectors. He currently serves as the Federal Strategy Director at Environmental Science Associates (ESA), where he advises clients on navigating complex regulatory landscapes and evolving federal policies.

Previously, Eric was appointed by President Biden as the Executive Director of the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Permitting Council). In this role, he oversaw a portfolio of over $75 billion in large-scale infrastructure projects, advancing critical initiatives in renewable energy, broadband, and coastal restoration through streamlined federal permitting processes.

Eric has also held senior roles at the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Office of Management and Budget, and led national infrastructure policy efforts at HDR, Inc. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Kansas and a Master of Public Policy from George Mason University