Permitting and Methodology

By Winston Alburquenque, Partner

Should we eliminate permits or improve the system? A key question raised by Winston Alburquenque Troncoso, a partner at VGC Abogados, in his column “Permitting and Methodology” (*Permisología y metodología*), published in *El Mercurio Legal*.

In his analysis, Winston addresses a major legal and regulatory challenge in Chilean project development: the permitting process and delays in obtaining sectoral authorizations. He focuses on the General Directorate of Water (DGA) and new challenges from desalination regulations. The column proposes a different perspective: applying the scientific method, strengthening academia’s role, and using the tools from the Framework Law on Sectoral Authorizations without lowering regulatory standards.

This is a particularly timely reflection for professionals working in law, regulation, infrastructure, water resources, energy, mining, and sustainability.

We invite you to read the full column by Winston Alburquenque Troncoso.