Reformers propose pizza-style state permits.
Reforming Pennsylvania’s Permitting Process: Following Domino’s Lead
When it comes to Pennsylvania’s notoriously sluggish permitting process, reformers believe that the state should take a page out of Domino’s book. Just as customers can track the progress of their pizza order online, developers should be able to do the same with their applications, according to Luke Bernstein, president of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.
“It’s easier to get a permit to go to the moon than it is to build a project in Moon Township PA,” he said. “We can streamline the process and be more transparent.”
Bernstein highlighted the case of U.S. Steel, which chose Arkansas over Pennsylvania for a $3 billion facility that would have provided 900 jobs with six-figure salaries. The company cited the lengthy permitting process as a reason for their decision, stating that the project would be completed long before the necessary permits were issued.
Regulatory hurdles also plague ongoing projects, such as the hydro-electric plant in Braddock, which has been in the works for nearly a decade. These hurdles drive up costs by millions. The natural gas industry faces similar challenges, with cumbersome rules preventing capacity expansion and energy cost reduction.
Policymakers are concerned about the delays and setbacks that may arise during the national efforts to expand broadband access. Pennsylvania is set to receive $1.16 billion from the federal infrastructure package to build its network, but the permitting process and construction may pose obstacles.
The state has taken some steps to address the issue. In January, Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order that provides refunds to applicants when the government misses its deadlines.
Online Tracking for Transparency and Reassurance
Senate Bill 350, introduced in May, aims to improve transparency and reassure developers that their projects have not been forgotten. The bill creates an online tracking process for applicants, allowing them to monitor the progress of their applications. Senator Kristin Phillips Hill, the prime sponsor of the bill, believes that this measure will address the concerns surrounding the permitting process. A similar bill passed the Senate in May 2021 but did not advance in the House.
With these efforts, Pennsylvania is striving to streamline its permitting process, boost transparency, and provide developers with the reassurance they need to move forward with their projects.
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