Permitting Reforms Clear State House

The state House overwhelmingly approved legislation improving the speed and predictability of environmental permitting processes May 20.

HB 6868. which represents a significant step toward improving the overall efficiency, transparency, and predictability of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s permitting processes, now awaits action in the Senate.

Championed by DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes, the bill is part of an ongoing collaborative effort between the agency and CBIA to modernize and improve environmental permitting processes.

HB 6868 builds on the success of DEEP’s 20BY20 and 20BY26 initiatives, which have already delivered measurable improvements in permitting speed, transparency, and efficiency.

CBIA senior public policy associate Myers said the bill “fosters a more business-friendly environment while ensuring the protection of our natural resources.”

General Permit Continuity

One of the bill’s most impactful provisions allows general permits to remain in effect at the DEEP commissioner’s discretion until formally renewed.

This change eliminates the risk of permit lapses due to administrative delays and spares businesses from the costly and time-consuming process of reapplying for permits that are already under review.

“It’s a practical, common sense reform that supports economic growth while maintaining environmental protections.”

CBIA’s Pete Myers

“Allowing general permits to remain in effect while under review ensures that businesses can continue operations without unnecessary interruptions,” Myers said.

“It’s a practical, common sense reform that supports economic growth while maintaining environmental protections.

“Connecticut’s business community is appreciative of the work DEEP has done and continues to do to improve the environmental permitting process.”

Hearing Process

The bill also reforms the hearing process for environmental permits.

Under the new framework, public informational hearings will be the default unless a petition meets specific criteria for a formal contested case.

This change preserves public input while reducing the administrative burden on DEEP and applicants alike.

Under the new framework, public informational hearings will be the default.

“Too often, businesses are caught in lengthy and expensive hearing processes that don’t reflect the actual level of public concern,” Myers noted.

“This bill strikes the right balance by ensuring meaningful public participation without derailing projects through procedural delays.”

CBIA urges the Senate to support this forward-thinking legislation.

---

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