Idaho DEQ cites vacancies and permit backlogs, asks for targeted pay increases to stabilize permitting

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) told a legislative committee that vacancies and turnover are increasing permit processing times and that targeted pay increases are part of the agency’s plan to reduce backlogs and protect state primacy for environmental permitting.

For the record, Jess Byrne identified herself as director of DEQ and introduced staff who joined the hearing: Deputy Director Tiffany Floyd, financial executive Linda Brown, and division administrators responsible for air quality, waste management and remediation, and surface and drinking water programs.

Why it matters: Delays in DEQ permitting can slow construction and economic development for projects that require air or wastewater permits. Lawmakers questioned whether the agency should receive targeted pay increases to retain specialized staff needed to issue permits and to manage ongoing remediation and loan programs.

Byrne told the committee DEQ is allocated about 385 full‑time positions and reported roughly 37 vacancies — roughly a 9.7% vacancy rate at budget submission. She said turnover and unfilled positions have affected permit issuance: citing the agency’s…