Ortitay bill to streamline DEP permitting
State Rep. Jason Ortitay, R-South Fayette Township, introduced legislation to create a single location where all Department of Environmental Protection permitting information can be found.
“During the House Appropriations Committee budget hearings, I expressed concerns I have heard from businesses about the DEP permitting process,” Ortitay said. “Employers who do work in multiple states have said environmental permits take a much longer time in Pennsylvania as compared to our neighboring states. This delay sends a message that Pennsylvania is not open for business.”
House Bill 1002 would require DEP to compile, organize and list all of its permits, along with relevant timelines and proper statutory and regulatory authority, in one location in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and on the department’s website. DEP has a wide variety of permits applicants must apply for and be granted before initiating projects. This change would streamline the process and help clear up uncertainty.