The Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation on Wednesday to bring greater transparency and efficiency to the permit application system.
Senate Bill 6 creates a permit tracking system, allows third-party review of permit decision delays and for annual reports, and sets clear timelines for state agencies to review permit applications.
Sens. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) and Greg Rothman (R–Cumberland/Perry/Dauphin) sponsored the bill, which passed the Senate in a 28-22 vote. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
“When permitting is unpredictable, so is investment,” Phillips-Hill said. “By passing this bill in the Senate, we’re sending a strong message that delays and inaction are no longer acceptable. We are saying Pennsylvania is open for business.”
The legislation builds on the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program, which was enacted in last year’s budget. It required the Department of Environmental Protection to implement a permit tracking system. Senate Bill 6 expands those accountability measures to all state agencies.
Under the legislation, each state agency would be required to establish a secure tracking system for applicants to track the status of applications on the state agency’s website. The bill also would require each state agency to establish a program for third-party review of permits and resolution of issues causing permit decision delays.
The lawmakers noted that the legislation also codifies elements of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s executive order on the PA Permit Fast-Track Program, ensuring the reforms are locked into law and will outlast any single administration.
“Transparency and accountability in the permitting process will provide needed certainty, reduce delays, and encourage investment in Pennsylvania,” Rothman said. “These reforms will both transform and grow the Pennsylvania economy.”