HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has achieved a significant milestone in its mission to streamline operations and advance environmental oversight. Since November 2023, the DEP has successfully reduced its overall permit backlog by 75%, including the complete elimination of delays in oil and gas permit applications.
“At DEP, we are moving at the speed of business – taking care of backlogged permits and not adding to the list – while protecting clean air and water and public health,” said DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. Her statement underscores the department’s dual commitment to efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Strategic Measures for Progress
The DEP reviews over 45,000 permit applications annually, addressing matters ranging from land development to industrial emissions and drinking water system upgrades. These applications play a critical role in both environmental protection and economic activity across Pennsylvania.
The backlog reduction initiative, launched in November 2023, represented an ambitious effort to modernize and improve permit processing. At the start of the initiative, there were more than 2,400 permit applications pending action that had been received prior to November 1, 2023. Within just one year, more than 1,750 of those applications were cleared, marking a 73% reduction in the targeted backlog. Additionally, the Office of Oil and Gas Management successfully processed all 115 oil and gas permit applications that predated the initiative.
Key to this progress has been an infusion of resources, personnel, and technological upgrades. Over the past year, DEP added 225 new staff members tasked with inspection services and permit reviews. The expansion of human resources, complemented by a $7 million investment in technology included in the 2024-2025 state budget, has allowed the department to eliminate inefficiencies and increase overall transparency.
Innovation in Permitting Processes
Two of the department’s hallmark initiatives, the SPEED and PAyback programs, have been central to the transformation. The SPEED program, established by Governor Josh Shapiro’s bipartisan 2024-2025 budget, introduces a unique model that enlists qualified and DEP-verified professionals to conduct initial application evaluations. These professionals provide recommendations to DEP staff, who then finalize decisions or communicate any deficiencies to applicants. While DEP retains final authority over permits, this streamlined approach accelerates the review process and boosts applicant confidence. The program applies to select permits, including air quality, earth disturbance, dam safety, and water obstruction cases.
“DEP’s modernization is enhancing service delivery for the businesses and residents of Pennsylvania while maintaining stringent environmental protections,” Shirley emphasized.
Meanwhile, the PAyback program, enacted in November 2023, assures applicants a refund if their permit remains undecided past the mandated timeline. Since its implementation, DEP has processed upwards of 40,000 permits without a single fee repayment, signaling substantial improvements in efficiency.
Implications for Environment and Economy
The reduction of the permit backlog and the elimination of oil and gas delays signal a balancing act between environmental stewardship and economic development. Streamlined processes provide businesses with the regulatory certainty they need to thrive, while the addition of oversight staff and the deployment of new technologies ensure environmental standards remain a priority.
Governor Josh Shapiro and the General Assembly’s commitment to these advancements signals a broader vision for improving government responsiveness and accountability. Not only does this enhance Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness, but it also safeguards natural resources for future generations.
A Holistic Vision for the Future
The DEP’s ongoing efforts demonstrate its capacity to adapt and evolve amidst increasing demands. From reviewing applications for industrial operations to addressing public concern over emerging contaminants such as PFAS in drinking water, the department’s engaged, forward-looking approach incorporates both technological progress and human expertise.
By tackling systemic challenges, expanding resources, and investing in innovation, the DEP is setting a standard for public service delivery aligned with the needs of environmentally conscious and economically thriving communities in Pennsylvania.
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