Senators Britt and Scott Introduce Bill to Enhance Federal Permitting Transparency
Bill mandates all U.S. permitting agencies establish dedicated webpage to monitor status of applications
U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) have introduced the Permitting Transparency and Accountability Act. The proposed legislation mandates that all U.S. agencies issuing permits establish a dedicated webpage for applicants to monitor the status of their applications,
Under the bill, these webpages would provide real-time updates on completed and pending steps, estimated timelines, and contact information for agency representatives. The initiative would reduce bureaucratic delays, enhance clarity for individuals and businesses navigating the permitting process, and streamline the federal permitting process.
“The Permitting Transparency and Accountability Act is a critical step in providing regulatory certainty,” said Sen. Britt. “This effort is aligned with President Trump’s goal of building back America and growing our economy – progress should not be impeded by unnecessary regulation or a lack of transparency. As we work to modernize American infrastructure to meet 21st-century demands, streamlining the permitting process will be essential to helping communities across our nation benefit from improved roads, bridges, energy infrastructure, broadband access, and more.”
Sen. Scott emphasized the need for reform, stating, "The federal permitting process can be an overly bureaucratic, frustrating, and long process that leaves applicants waiting with no information, no timeline, and no updates on the status of approval. It’s time to fix that." He added that the bill would ensure agencies offer a transparent overview of the application process, thereby better serving the American public.
The bill has garnered support from several Republican senators, including Joni Ernst (R-IO), Jim Justice (R-WV), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Thom Tillis (R-NC). Senator Ernst criticized the current permitting system as a "complete disaster," citing prolonged approval times due to unclear delays. Senator Tillis described the legislation as a "commonsense" approach to reducing bureaucracy and bolstering America's economic future.
The Permitting Transparency and Accountability Act reflects a concerted effort by its sponsors to enhance efficiency and accountability within federal agencies, facilitating timely progress on critical infrastructure projects across the nation.
The full text of the bill is HERE.
