DEQ tells JFAC vacancies and turnover are slowing permits; asks for targeted pay to retain technical staff

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee that staff vacancies and turnover are lengthening permit timelines and that targeted pay increases and other retention measures are needed to keep technical permitting functions in state control.

Director Jess Byrne told the committee the agency currently has roughly 385 full‑time positions authorized and reported about 37 vacancies (a vacancy rate of about 9.7% at budget submission). Byrne said turnover has concentrated in technical permitting positions and that training new hires to full proficiency takes substantial time. "Rather than coming to the legislature and asking for additional positions, it's critical that we first address our recruitment and retention issues," Byrne said during closing remarks.

Why it matters: DEQ issues air and wastewater permits that entities must have before they build or operate facilities. Committee members said delayed permits slow projects and economic activity.

Permitting timelines and turnover

Byrne and DEQ staff said…