Permitting reform in Pennsylvania feels like a never-ending cycle

Senate’s Budget Hearings Focus‍ on Permitting Reform

Year after year, the Senate’s‍ budget hearings with the Department ‌of Environment Protection ‌(DEP) feel like a never-ending loop, much like Bill Murray’s character ​in⁣ “Groundhog Day.” But this⁤ time, there’s a renewed sense of‍ urgency to address the long-standing issue of permitting ‌delays in Pennsylvania.

Senator ⁤Gene‌ Yaw, who has been in the Senate since 2008, expressed his frustration with⁢ the ongoing problem. He believes that ⁣the hindrance to business growth lies not in environmental hurdles, but⁣ in bureaucratic red tape.

“Several years ago, there ‍was a company that⁢ told me, ⁢’we can deal‍ with any ⁢environmental issues. ⁢What we can’t deal with is delay.’ Pennsylvania should be​ embarrassed ⁤about delay.”

Even⁢ Governor Shapiro has recognized the need for permitting reform across state agencies. However, despite efforts to increase funding and hire more DEP ​permitting staffers, months-long delays persist. The reputation ⁣of Pennsylvania’s lengthy permitting⁣ periods has even​ reached international borders, causing businesses in Taiwan to think twice about investing in⁤ the commonwealth.

“I was recently in Taiwan, and they’re willing and able to come. We are now internationally known as having problems getting permits in a timely⁣ fashion. Other states ⁢exploit that.”

DEP officials acknowledge the ‍issue and have implemented a permitting backlog reduction plan to speed up the process. Acting Interim Secretary Jessica Shirley emphasized the department’s commitment to streamlining the permit modernization plan, which has already reduced the backlog by 30% month-over-month since December.

“As‌ it ramps ‍up, this process will eliminate a ⁤lot‍ of that churn you’re getting. It is a problem, ⁤we acknowledge that; and that ‍is part of what we’ve been working on through our streamlined permit modernization plan. We⁢ have made some improvements. It’s not fixed — you cannot fix something this massive in a year. It’s going to take time and investment.”

Despite these ⁣efforts, the DEP remains the subject of sardonic humor. Senator Pat Stefano shared a running ​joke in the southwest, where DEP is humorously referred⁣ to as “Don’t Expect a​ Permit.” However, there is a genuine desire among lawmakers to change this​ perception and work towards a⁤ more efficient permitting process.

DEP recognizes the⁤ need for an upgrade to its outdated IT system, which hasn’t been ​updated since 1994. However,‍ the root ⁢cause of the problem, according to DEP ⁣leaders, ⁤is long-term understaffing.

“Since 2006, the department has faced significant budget cuts, resulting in a loss of staff, particularly in our permitting programs. That’s why ⁤this year, we’re requesting 40 additional staff. We‍ received ​30 new staff last year, and⁢ we’re asking for​ another 40 this year specifically to address permitting. But⁢ we’re still far below where we ⁢were in the ⁢early 2000s.”

While the road to permitting reform may be long, there ​is a collective determination​ to improve⁤ the process‌ and eliminate unnecessary delays.

What are the proposed reforms⁣ to the permitting process in Pennsylvania,​ according to Senator Yaw?

To invest hundreds of millions of dollars,” said​ Senator ⁢Yaw. “But they’re not willing to put⁤ that investment​ in Pennsylvania because we can’t give them an​ answer in a reasonable amount of time.”

The ​proposed budget for the DEP includes additional ‍funding to address the ⁤backlog of permit applications. However, many legislators on both sides of the aisle believe⁣ that simply throwing more⁢ money at the problem will not solve it. They argue that⁤ a comprehensive reform of⁣ the⁤ permitting ‌process is necessary to streamline and expedite the approval ‌process.

One issue that has been‌ identified by Senator Yaw and others is the lack of clear guidelines for permit applications.⁢ ⁣Businesses and individuals often face​ confusion and uncertainty when submitting⁤ their applications, leading to​ mistakes and further delays. These mistakes can range from missing information to incorrect formatting, all of which prolong the approval ‍process.

Senator Yaw⁤ has proposed legislation that would require the DEP to establish ‍clear and concise guidelines ‍for permit ‌applications.⁣ ⁣These guidelines ‍would ​outline the necessary information and formatting ‍requirements, reducing the potential for mistakes ⁣and delays. Additionally, the ​legislation​ would set strict timelines for the DEP to review and approve permits, providing businesses with a clear expectation of when they will receive a decision.

Another aspect of the⁢ permitting process that has ⁢been widely criticized is the lack of ⁤communication between the DEP and⁢ applicants. Many⁣ businesses ⁣and ⁣individuals complain of unanswered phone calls and emails, leaving them in the‌ dark about the status of their ⁣applications. Senator Yaw’s proposed legislation would require⁣ the DEP to provide regular updates to applicants regarding the progress of their permit applications. This would ensure‌ transparency and alleviate frustration for those waiting for a⁤ decision.

The Senate’s budget hearings have shed⁣ light on ​the need for permitting reform in Pennsylvania. While additional funding ‍is essential to address the backlog of⁢ permit applications, comprehensive reform of the permitting process itself is crucial to avoid future delays. Senator Yaw’s proposed legislation provides a framework for these reforms, prioritizing clear guidelines,⁢ strict ‌timelines, and‌ open communication. By taking steps to address these key issues, Pennsylvania can finally put an end to the never-ending loop ⁣of permit​ delays that have ‌plagued ‍the state for far too long.

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