The Pennsylvania Senate has passed a bill aimed at overhauling the state’s permitting process. The legislation, led by Senators Kristin Phillips-Hill and Greg Rothman, seeks to improve how state agencies handle permit applications by introducing new requirements for accountability and efficiency.
Senate Bill 6 establishes defined timelines for agencies to review permit applications and introduces a tracking system so applicants can monitor the status of their permits. It also mandates regular performance reporting from agencies to ensure transparency.
“When permitting is unpredictable, so is investment,” said Phillips-Hill. “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 proposed law builds on last year’s Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program, which required the Department of Environmental Protection to create a permit tracking system. The new bill extends these requirements to all state agencies.
“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.”
Key elements of Governor Josh Shapiro’s Executive Order on permitting reform are also included in the legislation, making them permanent features of state law.
The bill will now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
