Reform Proposal Streamlines DEEP Permitting

Lawmakers are reviewing legislation aimed at streamlining and modernizing the state’s environmental permitting system.

HB 5154 updates how the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issues permits, with the goal of improving efficiency while maintaining environmental oversight.

Currently awaiting action by the Environment Committee, the bill allows DEEP greater flexibility to issue general permits in place of individual permits when appropriate.

Under current practice, many projects require individual permit reviews, a process that can be time-consuming and resource-intensive for both applicants and the agency.

CBIA senior policy director Pete Myers described the measure as part of an ongoing partnership between the business community and state regulators.

“This legislation is another step in continued collaboration between CBIA and DEEP to improve permitting in Connecticut,” Myers said.

Predictability

Myers said the bill recognizes that many regulated activities are routine and well understood, and do not necessarily require lengthy, case-by-case evaluations.

By aligning the level of review more closely with the level of environmental risk, the proposal reduces unnecessary delays without weakening standards.

This approach improves predictability for employers planning construction, expansion, or infrastructure projects.

The proposal reduces unnecessary delays without weakening standards.

Business leaders have long cited permitting timelines as a factor influencing investment decisions in Connecticut.

In addition to changes in general permitting, the bill addresses permit renewals for solid waste facilities, providing greater clarity and certainty when a facility submits a sufficient renewal application, helping to prevent gaps in coverage.

Such gaps can disrupt operations and delay critical infrastructure projects. At the same time, the proposal preserves DEEP’s authority to review applications and enforce environmental regulations.

Focused on Reforms

Myers said the bill reflects priorities identified by CBIA’s E2: Energy & Environment Council, which has focused on reducing delays and improving consistency in the state’s permitting process.

“CBIA’s E2 Council has focused on improving our permitting process in Connecticut to reduce delays for businesses and improve certainty for investment,” he said.

“Last year we championed legislation to overhaul the outdated Transfer Act as well as cutting red tape on permitting. This is another step we can take to improve permitting.”

“This is another step we can take to improve permitting.”

CBIA’s Pete Myers

The Transfer Act reforms, passed last year, trasnformed the state’s decades-old framework for cleaning up contaminated properties.

Business advocates said those changes made the process more efficient and predictable while maintaining environmental protections.

Myers said HB 5154 continues that trend by promoting a permitting system that balances environmental stewardship with economic growth.

“A permitting system that is clear, predictable, and efficient encourages compliance, supports responsible development, and helps Connecticut remain competitive,” he said.

---

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