HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) have unveiled a new digital permit tracking tool designed to bring greater transparency and efficiency to the state’s permit application process. Developed as part of Governor Josh Shapiro’s broader vision for a more accountable and user-friendly state government, the new system offers applicants the ability to monitor their permits in real time.
The DEP, which processes over 45,000 permit applications annually, handles permits for a wide range of initiatives, including clean drinking water systems and energy production projects. The newly introduced Permit Status Tracker aims to streamline communication between state agencies, businesses, and residents. By offering clear insights into the application process, the tool is expected to enhance operational transparency and promote efficient decision-making.
“Our permit tracker continues DEP’s commitment to transparency and improving the user experience for applicants working with us to build a better Pennsylvania,” said Acting DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “We’ve heard the requests from the business community, and we have listened. This tool is also useful for residents to better understand the progress of permits for projects in their communities – everything from clearing land to build new businesses to regulating safe drinking water and ensuring safe air quality.”
Features Designed for Ease and Accessibility
This user-friendly tracker was co-developed by DEP and CODE PA, an internal digital development team focused on modernizing Pennsylvanians’ interactions with state agencies. The Permit Status Tracker tool provides several core features, including the ability to:
- Search by authorization ID or keyword for specific applications.
- Filter results by county, permit type, application type, program area, and status.
- View key details such as estimated processing times and status updates.
- Access direct contact information for the assigned application reviewer for further communication.
“People have grown accustomed to being able to track the status of their online purchases in real time, and we are working to build this expectation into the digital services we create,” remarked Bry Pardoe, Executive Director of CODE PA. Pardoe also emphasized that the tracker aligns with ongoing initiatives to simplify and modernize applications for permits, licenses, and certifications across various state agencies.
Addressing Backlog and Improving Efficiency
The introduction of the permit tracker coincides with DEP’s significant strides in improving permit processing times. Under the Shapiro administration, the DEP has reduced its permit backlog by 75%, eliminating over 1,750 applications that were pending action before November 1, 2023, while simultaneously keeping pace with new applications. The Department has also entirely cleared its backlog of oil and gas permits, which accounted for 115 applications.
This backlog reduction initiative is part of broader modernization efforts within the DEP, which include investments in technology and process improvements designed to eliminate inefficiencies. Several operational bottlenecks have been directly addressed, allowing permit decisions to be made more swiftly and effectively.
Furthermore, DEP’s workforce has grown to support these advancements. Since 2023, the department has added 225 employees to bolster critical roles such as public health inspections and permit review processes. This growth not only ensures operational efficiency but also strengthens DEP’s capacity to oversee projects that safeguard environmental health and community well-being.
Modernizing State Government
The launch of the Permit Status Tracker is part of a larger push by Governor Shapiro’s administration to modernize Pennsylvania’s government services. Under the guidance of CODE PA, state agencies are tapping into private sector expertise and best practices to build in-house tools that cut reliance on third-party consultants. The result is cost-effective and optimized digital solutions aimed at meeting Pennsylvanians’ growing expectations for accessible and reliable online services.
By delivering real-time updates and simplifying complex processes, the DEP and CODE PA are ensuring that stakeholders—whether businesses, developers, or residents—can remain informed and involved in projects critical to Pennsylvania’s growth. These efforts to enhance service delivery and streamline bureaucracy exemplify a tangible commitment to building a more transparent and efficient government for all its citizens.
Through continued innovation and collaboration, Pennsylvania’s DEP and CODE PA set a strong precedent for modern governance, aiming to balance economic growth, environmental safeguarding, and responsive public service.
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