Part 8/16:
Zion draws attention to the often-overlooked local nature of zoning and construction regulations that can hinder industrial development. Most planning restrictions happen at the local level, making community groups, developers, and regional authorities vital stakeholders in facilitating growth.
Electricity importation presents additional complications. Federal agencies have traditionally played a slow role in approving interstate power transfers, hampered further by recent administrative changes—firing key personnel has resulted in a non-functional approval system. Consequently, states with their own power generation capabilities, such as Texas, are better positioned to meet industrial needs, especially given their access to domestic natural gas pipelines.