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The public work groups echoed frequent expressions of general public sentiment which seek streamlined governmental processes. Numerous models exist to simplify how government performs, particularly in the context of licensing activities. Several of these are referenced in this chapter and include: State primacy of Section 404 permitting functions now performed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Transfer of regulatory functions of the Army Corps from the Detroit to the Chicago District. Programmatic general permits to provide some level of environmental protection without the full bureaucratic weight of permitting functions. Joint permitting among various agencies. Permit exemptions for classes of activities likely to have a de minimus environmental impact. Federal consistency of federal permitting through the development of a CZM program. The expanded use of mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution to address conflicts. 
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