Bill Summary
The "Electronic Permitting Modernization Act" aims to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of the permitting processes at the Department of the Interior. The legislation mandates the Secretary of the Interior to develop and implement modern electronic permitting systems that streamline the acceptance, processing, and recording of permit applications and related documentation. Key components of the bill include the establishment of a centralized online repository for these electronic systems, which will provide easy navigation and contact information for assistance. The bill also emphasizes the importance of consulting with various stakeholders, including state and tribal governments, during the development of these systems to ensure they meet users' needs. Additionally, it incorporates provisions to protect sensitive information and avoid duplicating existing systems. Overall, the Act seeks to improve service delivery and reduce bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining permits for activities regulated by the Department.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the "Electronic Permitting Modernization Act" could affect people:
1. **Streamlined Access for Businesses and Individuals**: The modernization of electronic permitting systems will simplify the application process for businesses and individuals seeking permits from the Department of the Interior. By moving to a centralized online repository, users can more easily find and apply for the necessary permits without the burden of navigating multiple systems or dealing with excessive paperwork. This could lead to faster project approvals, enabling businesses to operate more efficiently and effectively.
2. **Enhanced Transparency and Communication**: The Act requires the Department to provide contact information for employees who can assist applicants. This improvement facilitates better communication between applicants and the Department, allowing stakeholders (including State, Tribal, and local governments) to seek guidance and clarify their queries more easily. This could result in reduced confusion and frustration during the permitting process, ultimately leading to a more user-friendly experience.
3. **Increased Public Engagement and Compliance**: By making the permitting systems more accessible and engaging through modern technology, the Act encourages greater public involvement in the permitting process. Stakeholders, including local communities and environmental groups, can more easily track applications and permit statuses, fostering greater accountability. This increased transparency can lead to enhanced compliance with environmental regulations and greater public awareness of the implications of various projects, ultimately benefiting environmental stewardship and community interests.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2318 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2318
To modernize permitting systems at the Department of the Interior, and
for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 25, 2025
Ms. Ansari introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To modernize permitting systems at the Department of the Interior, and
for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Electronic Permitting Modernization
Act''.
SEC. 2. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PERMIT ACCESSIBILITY.
(a) In General.--In order to improve the overall economy,
efficiency, and management of operations and activities of the
Department of the Interior (referred to in this section as the
``Department''), reduce paperwork, and provide high-quality services
and access to the public, the Secretary of the Interior shall, to the
extent practicable--
(1) design and deliver modernized electronic permitting
systems to accept, process, and record applications (including
plan submissions, payment activity, and other related
correspondence) for permits, forms, and other paperwork
required for activities regulated by the Department;
(2) provide a centralized electronic permitting system
online repository, available to the public on the Department's
website, that includes--
(A) hyperlinks to facilitate navigation to all
Department electronic permitting systems; and
(B) with respect to permits, the contact
information for the appropriate Department employees
providing assistance to State, Tribal, and local
governments; and
(3) provide to the Committee on Natural Resources of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources of the Senate periodic updates on the
implementation of paragraphs (1) and (2).
(b) Disclosure of Information Prohibited.--No information described
in section 552(b) of title 5, United States Code, or protected from
disclosure by another law of the United States shall be disclosed under
this Act.
(c) Duplication of Systems Not Permitted.--No system shall be
duplicated under this Act.
(d) Consultation.--In developing the permitting systems required
under section 2 of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall
consult with States, local governments, Indian Tribes and other
stakeholders who apply for agency permits and will use the permitting
systems.
SEC. 3. CONFORMING AMENDMENT TO ENSURE CONSISTENCY WITH THE FISCAL
RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 2023.
In developing the permitting systems required under section 2 of
this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall ensure that the
Department's electronic permitting systems are consistent with the
priorities identified in section 110 of the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336d) with respect to any permit that
requires review under that Act.
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