May. 02, 2018
HARRISBURG – In response to concerns raised by residents of the 100th District, Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) voted in favor of a package of bills that would reform Pennsylvania’s regulatory process. Most importantly, it would address the financial impact delayed permit processing is having on the Commonwealth.
House Bill 1959 would establish the Pennsylvania Permit Act, which would apply to all state agencies but impact the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) specifically. It would direct DEP to contract with a third-party to review permits that have been delayed and issue them in accordance with DEP’s Permit Decision Guarantee Program or 30 days following submission if a deadline is not specified.
“I have heard from a number of residents and businesses that DEP’s delayed permit processing can take a year and a half or even two years. Rather than wait years before being able to conduct business, companies are leaving in favor of other states that have more responsive processes, resulting in tremendous financial losses for the Commonwealth that could be benefitting our state economy,” Cutler explained.
“I have spoken personally with companies and people who are doing business in Maryland and New Jersey, instead of Pennsylvania, because they can get a permit approved and be in business before the paperwork here is even completed. Our neighboring states have figured out how to balance protecting the environment while expediting the permit process, and it is time for our state to catch up,” Cutler added.
House Bill 209 would establish the Independent Office of the Repealer to review statutes and regulations for possible revision and repeal.
“The overabundance of regulations in the Commonwealth have resulted in confusion for residents, as there are examples of multiple regulations contradicting each other. Based on who is enforcing the regulations on a particular day, people have been cited and fined for following a different, though equally valid, regulation,” Cutler said. “That makes no sense, and must be corrected.”
House Bill 1792 would allow the General Assembly to initiate the repeal of any state regulation in effect by a concurrent resolution.
House Bill 1237 would require that any state agency wishing to impose a regulation with an annual financial impact of $1 million or more reference the specific law that gives them the authority to propose a regulation. Then, the General Assembly would vote to approve or deny the regulation.
Lastly,
House Bill 1960 would require each state agency to appoint a regulatory compliance officer who would respond both to violations and new regulations, working cooperatively with the business community.
“This package of bills has the power to simplify regulations in the Commonwealth, speed the permit approval process and control the costs associated with regulations – all problems that Pennsylvanians shared with me after experiencing their own frustrations. I look forward to the Senate and Gov. Tom Wolf also responding to their concerns,” Cutler added.
The bills now advance to the Senate for consideration.
Representative Bryan Cutler
100th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
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