Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro wants to help cut through bureaucratic red tape that is slowing construction projects after the state moved to the right on Election Day.
keystone state experience be “Red Wave” The results of the November 5 vote were up and down, with the elections for President, Senate, Attorney General, Comptroller General, and State Treasurer all going to Republican candidates. Now, despite stirring up concerns from environmentalists, Shapiro is trying to accelerate economic development and infrastructure projects. “PA Permit Fast Track Program” It is intended to streamline the approval process for construction that requires permits from multiple state agencies. (Related: Pennsylvania Supreme Court condemns Democratic efforts to count illegal votes)
“The PA Permit Fast Track program strengthens coordination and communication between project sponsors and state agencies, breaks down red tape, streamlines critical projects, and creates investment and job opportunities for businesses right here in Pennsylvania.” “It's an innovative program that gives you confidence,” said Shapiro. said on tuesday press release After signing an executive order establishing this initiative. “We are proving that government can move at the speed of business, and we are building a stronger, more competitive commonwealth where people want to live, work and build their future.”
PA Permit Fast Track is the first project-based permitting fast track program for major economic development and infrastructure projects across the United States. This gives us a competitive edge that brings more business to Pennsylvania and creates more opportunities across the state. pic.twitter.com/2fWBMykQFM
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) November 23, 2024
The program directs the state's Office of Change and Opportunity to foster interagency cooperation by coordinating meetings and schedules and authorizing milestones, according to the release.
Mr. Shapiro's deregulation efforts come despite concerns from some climate change hawks. david masur PennEnvironment's executive director told E&E News that the governor's permit policy raises “some real red flags for environmentalists.”
“I think it all comes down to the idea that 'we are a business-friendly environment,'” Masur told E&E. “We worry that going at the wrong speed could do more harm than good.”
Mr. Shapiro led deregulation efforts in Pennsylvania prior to the Fast Track program. launch PAyback.pa.gov In November 2023, residents whose state permits have expired will have their application fees refunded. Pennsylvania too put The 2024-2025 budget provided $7 million to update the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) technology systems, helping to completely eliminate the agency's oil and gas permit backlog.
Mr. Shapiro sought to defend Democratic officials who tried to count missing votes in last week's close Senate race in the state, saying the state would not count those with missing or incorrect dates. It argued that it did so due to a lack of “legal clarity” despite the Supreme Court's pre-election order. Ballot paper. Meanwhile, watchdog groups have accused the Pennsylvania Education Association of illegally laundering $1.5 million in the governor's 2022 campaign funds.
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