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Debate on permitting predictability bill shifts to public‑participation concerns
Summary
Lawmakers and environmental groups said a proposal to streamline DEEP permitting should not limit public comment or judicial review; attorneys and advocates warned language in HB 6868 could make it harder for residents to secure hearings and intervene in contested cases.
A push to speed environmental permitting drew sharp questions from advocates and lawmakers who said changes to the agency—s hearing procedures should not curtail public rights.
The permitting predictability measure would let DEEP reserve resource‑heavy evidentiary hearings for matters where parties are contesting a permit and provide a streamlined public comment phase for other petitions. DEEP legal staff said the plan aims to improve efficiency and focus state hearing resources on contested cases, but several attorneys and conservation groups told the committee the bill—s text could be read to raise barriers to participation.
Brendan Shane, DEEP—s environmental quality legal…
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