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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 27, 2023 11:07 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative David H. Zimmerman |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | DEP Permitting Review Timeframes – Erosion & Sediment Control Program (Prior House Bill 573, 2021-2022) |
| As you know, pollution from storm water runoff, erosion, and sedimentation can lead to significant pollution in our waterways. Accordingly, our Department of Environmental Protection regulates earth disturbance activities as sources of these problems through its 25 Pa Code, Chapter 102 Erosion and Sediment Control program. However, we have all heard concerns regarding the timeliness of permit reviews for these projects. Likewise, we have all heard concerns about DEP staffing and funding. Accordingly, in the near future, I will reintroduce prior House Bill 573 as amended to require DEP to complete its permitting approval or disapproval within a reasonable 45 days so that our industries have a predictable timeframe to use for their planning purposes. In addition, this legislation requires that any permit application submitted by a licensed engineer, licensed under the Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law (Act 367 of 1945) shall be approved within 20 days of receipt. These folks are putting forth their license and reputation when submitting permit applications and therefore their applications should require less review. This would then allow more staff time for other projects. We must protect our waterways. There is no other choice. But we can add sensible timeframes for permit reviews and allow our licenses and licensed professionals to stand on their merits. Please join me in cosponsoring this important piece of legislation. Previous co-sponsors of HB 573, 2021-2022: Greiner, Rowe, Millard, Maloney, Fee, Oberlander, Irvin, Kauffman, James, Ryan, Grove, B. Miller, Gleim, Keefer, Hershey, Gillen, Mentzer |
Introduced as HB559