Strong Support for Permitting Reform Bill

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the business community support legislation overhauling Connecticut’s environmental permitting system.

HB 5154 takes a practical, targeted approach to improving permitting, modernizing DEEP’s authority by allowing the agency, where appropriate, to issue general permits in place of individual permits.

DEEP commissioner Katie Dykes spoke in support of the measure at the Environment Committee‘s Feb. 20 public hearing.

Dykes told lawmakers the bill will “give DEEP greater flexibility to issue general permits for routine, well-understood activities, improving efficiency and predictability while maintaining strong environmental protections.”

“The process of issuing a general permit includes similar opportunities for public participation and feedback as an individual permit process but can be an efficient pathway to authorize certain lower risk activities and can reduce staff time spent reviewing and issuing individual permits,” she said.

Permitting Reform

CBIA senior policy director Pete Myers told the committee that “environmental stewardship and economic growth go hand in hand.” 

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

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

CBIA’s Pete Myers told the committee that “environmental stewardship and economic growth go hand in hand.” 

“Last year we championed legislation to overhaul the outdated Transfer Act, as well as cutting red tape on permitting.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.”

The bill also addresses solid waste facility permit renewals, providing clarity and certainty when a sufficient renewal application is submitted.

This change helps avoid permit gaps that can disrupt operations and delay critical infrastructure projects, while preserving DEEP’s oversight authority. 

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