green tape

From green (“environmentally friendly”) and red tape (“bureaucratic regulations”).

green tape (uncountable)

1. (derogatory) Time-consuming bureaucratic procedures or regulations relating to environmental concerns.
   • Australian Financial Review, January 14, 2013

     “We were bitterly disappointed with the pull back on the green tape reduction and we felt the federal government had been held hostage by the Greens for their electoral fortunes,” Mr Nicholls told The Australian Financial Review.