The Case for Smart Permitting Reform

Connecticut’s economic competitiveness depends on a permitting system that is predictable, transparent, and timely without sacrificing environmental protection.

This session, two proposals before the General Assembly take meaningful steps toward that goal: SB 418  in the Commerce Committee and HB 5475 in the Government Oversight Committee. 

The bills reflect growing recognition that modernizing permitting is essential to attracting investment, advancing economic development, and keeping Connecticut competitive with neighboring states. 

SB 418 and HB 5475 begin the process of allowing qualified and licensed third-party professionals to review certain permits designated by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

HB 5475 takes another step by creating an expedited permit review at DEEP that allows for fast permitting timelines on time sensitive issues.  

Smarter, More Predictable Process 

“Businesses are not asking for weaker environmental standards they are asking for clarity, predictability, and efficiency so projects can move forward responsibly and on schedule,” CBIA senior policy director Pete Myers notes.

“That principle is at the heart of both bills, improving timelines for projects and creating jobs faster a key focus for both pieces of legislation.”

Commerce Committee co-chair Rep. Stephen Meskers (D-Greenwich) noted his support for the bill.

“This legislation is about addressing the bottleneck in economic development in our state—especially as we develop brownfield sites and work to remediate former Transfer Act sites,” he said.

Pennsylvania’s Success 

Connecticut must continue to improve permitting to remain competitive with surrounding states.   

In recent years, Pennsylvania adopted a combination of expedited review programs, clear statutory timelines, and optional third‑party reviews to support economic development while maintaining environmental oversight.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, these reforms helped eliminate a backlog of more than 2,400 permits and allowed the agency to process tens of thousands of permit applications annually, dramatically improving turnaround times and predictability.  

Pennsylvania’s SPEED program, which allows qualified third‑party professionals to assist with permit reviews while preserving final agency approval, has been particularly effective in accelerating project timelines and restoring confidence in the permitting system.  

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For more information, contact CBIA’s Pete Myers (860.244.1921).