ePermit Act would bring federal permitting process into 21st century
Effort will make electricity cheaper, more reliable
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, John Curtis, Cory Booker, Dave McCormick, Mark Kelly, Steve Daines, Alex Padilla, and Ted Budd introduced the bipartisan ePermit Act to modernize and streamline federal permitting processes. The bill would replace outdated paper applications and siloed permitting processes with an online interactive platform for submitting applications and tracking federal permitting processes to help lower costs and increase transparency for the public.
“Our outdated permitting processes take too long and leave people in the dark the entire time,” said Hickenlooper. “Our bipartisan ePermit Act creates a one-stop-shop to streamline the process, reduce costs, and make it easier for everyone to track.”
“Outdated, paper-based permitting systems slow down projects, frustrate communities, and make it harder for agencies to do their jobs,” said Curtis. “Our bipartisan legislation brings federal environmental reviews into the twenty-first century by improving transparency, coordination, and public engagement without weakening critical environmental standards.”
“In the 21st century, it should be a no-brainer to use modern digital technology instead of pencils and paper to streamline and centralize our permitting process,” said Booker. “This is a commonsense solution that will cut unnecessary delays in bureaucracy and save money without compromising environmental standards, all while promoting accessibility and public engagement. Making the government run more effectively and efficiently to deliver for communities is something both parties can get behind, and I’m proud that Democrats and Republicans are coming together to make our government work better for all Americans.”
“Our permitting system is outdated and still shaped by paper files and unnecessary bureaucracy,” said McCormick. “A digital permitting framework would help federal agencies review permits more efficiently and transparently, leading to faster approvals, stronger coordination, and more predictable timelines for all involved. I am pleased to support this legislation and help transform our permitting process into one that can work effectively for the 21st century.”
“From water infrastructure to transportation, Arizona has real needs, and we shouldn’t be waiting years for things to get built because the process gets stuck,” said Kelly. “By modernizing permitting with the latest technology and tools, projects can move forward faster and more efficiently. That means less bureaucracy and fewer delays, without cutting corners on environmental protections or public input.”
“There is no reason critical permitting reviews should be delayed by outdated, bureaucratic systems,” said Padilla. “Modernizing our systems through digital tools and standardizing permitting data collection across agencies will save money and time while preserving strong environmental standards and public input. E-permitting is a commonsense solution with bipartisan support, and I will keep working across the aisle to get it done.”
Currently, outdated, paper-based systems and poor interagency coordination bog down the federal permitting process. Projects regularly get delayed by months – or years – and end up costing more. The senators’ bipartisan bill would overhaul how federal agencies work together to review applications and bring the process into the 21st century. It would improve public transparency in the process while preserving existing environmental protection requirements.
Specifically, it would:
- Require Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), in consultation with Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (from FAST-41), Chief Information Officers Council, Office of Management and Budget, to establish data standards for Federal agencies
- Create publicly accessible information on authorization timelines, project location, project type, environmental reviews, and mitigation measures
- Require agencies to establish integrated geographic information system (GIS) analysis tools
- Require a pilot program to be created within a year of enactment
- Set target implementation date for December 2027
The legislation has already received strong support. Check out what supporters are saying HERE.
Full text of the legislation available HERE.
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