Bartolotta Bill Streamlining Permit Processing Passes Senate Committee

HARRISBURG – The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) to improve the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) permit reviewing process.

Certain permits, such as erosion and sediment control, are too often taking more than 100 days to process, despite existing regulations stating it should take no more than 45 days.

“Unfortunately, DEP is not fulfilling its obligation of timely and efficient review of permit applications with great disparities existing among regional offices. These delays and inconsistencies slow development of critical infrastructure projects to move Pennsylvania natural gas to market and discourage our efforts to attract capital investments to Pennsylvania,” Bartolotta said.

Senate Bill 692 would require the DEP to review permit applications consistent with its current, stated policy by elevating existing permit obligations into statute. The bill would also establish reporting requirements to the General Assembly to ensure transparency regarding the number of permits applied for and issued, the review times of applications and the performance of regional offices in complying with this act.

“My bill would send a strong signal to both DEP and job creators that Pennsylvania is serious about responsibly developing our energy resources while ensuring our regulators fulfill their permit review obligations of safe, responsible oil and gas development,” Bartolotta said.

Having received committee support, Senate Bill 692 now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

CONTACT: Katrina Hanna, 717-787-1463

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