Expedited Review Process, Greater Transparency for Permit Applications
HARRISBURG – In a significant move toward cutting government red tape, the state budget approved by the General Assembly included major regulatory reform efforts championed by Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York).
As part of the comprehensive amendments to the state’s Fiscal Code, the measure includes an overhaul of the permitting process for land, air and water-related permits required by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and county conservation districts for development.
“This is a major win for the future of our Commonwealth,” Phillips-Hill said. “By cutting through the red tape, we’re not only supporting our current businesses and communities, but also laying the groundwork for future growth and prosperity in Pennsylvania. I am tired of losing jobs and economic opportunity to other states because Pennsylvania’s regulatory delays are too burdensome and make us uncompetitive. This effort will ensure that, regardless of whoever occupies the governor’s mansion or serves in the legislature, Pennsylvania is always open for business.”
The measure – Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) Program – contains a sweeping overhaul to expedite the permitting process utilized by DEP and county conservation districts, including:
- Expedited Permit Review by a Third-Party: Applicants will be able to utilize third-party entities approved by the state to expedite the review process for air, land and water permits issued by DEP and county conservation districts.
- Permit Application Tracking System: Applicants will be able to check the status of their permits online, including processing times, review dates, and estimated time remaining for each phase.
- Increased Accountability for DEP: The department will be held accountable for costs incurred by permit applicant for a priority review for failure of permit decision within allotted time period.
The language includes key elements from Senate Bill 350, sponsored by Sens. Phillips-Hill and Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland/Dauphin/Perry), which the Senate approved earlier this session with bipartisan support, as well as Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2023 executive order.
“Growing our economy, creating new jobs, and putting Pennsylvania on a path to prosperity is not partisan, it’s commonsense. I am glad we were able to get this across the finish line,” Phillips-Hill added.
AUDIO
VIDEO (Discussion on the measure)
VIDEO (Senate floor remarks)