A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced the ePermit Act, a bill aimed at updating and digitizing the federal environmental permitting process. The legislation is designed to replace paper-based systems with digital and cloud-based technologies, in an effort to streamline reviews, improve transparency, and enhance public engagement across federal agencies. The move comes after similar legislation passed in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Senator John Curtis (R-UT) stated, “Outdated, paper-based permitting systems slow down projects, frustrate communities, and make it harder for agencies to do their jobs. Our bipartisan legislation brings federal environmental reviews into the 21st century by improving transparency, coordination, and public engagement without weakening critical environmental standards.”
Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) added, “In the 21st century, it should be a no-brainer to use modern digital technology instead of pencils and paper to streamline and centralize our permitting process. This is a commonsense solution that will cut unnecessary delays in bureaucracy and save money without compromising environmental standards, all while promoting accessibility and public engagement. Making the government run more effectively and efficiently to deliver for communities is something both parties can get behind, and I’m proud that Democrats and Republicans are coming together to make our government work better for all Americans.”
The ePermit Act is supported by Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Ted Budd (R-NC), and Alex Padilla (D-CA). Senator McCormick said, “Our permitting system is outdated and still shaped by paper files and unnecessary bureaucracy. A digital permitting framework would help federal agencies review permits more efficiently and transparently, leading to faster approvals, stronger coordination, and more predictable timelines for all involved. I am pleased to support this legislation and help transform our permitting process into one that can work effectively for the 21st century.”
Senator Kelly commented on the impact in his state: “From water infrastructure to transportation, Arizona has real needs, and we shouldn’t be waiting years for things to get built because the process gets stuck. By modernizing permitting with the latest technology and tools, projects can move forward faster and more efficiently. That means less bureaucracy and fewer delays, without cutting corners on environmental protections or public input.”
Senator Daines noted challenges in Montana: “Far too often, critical infrastructure projects in Montana are held up because of burdensome permitting processes. The ePermit Act will help cut through red tape and increase efficiency, and I’ll work with my colleagues to get it across the finish line.”
Senator Hickenlooper highlighted improvements in accessibility: “Our outdated permitting processes take too long and leave people in the dark the entire time. Our bipartisan ePermit Act creates a one-stop-shop to streamline the process, reduce costs, and make it easier for everyone to track.”
Senator Budd emphasized economic benefits: “Digitizing the federal permitting process will help applicants and agencies make quicker, better decisions—allowing America to build the projects that will move our economy forward more efficiently. The ePermit Act will prevent construction from falling behind due to unwieldy paperwork, and I appreciate the strong bipartisan support for this important regulatory reform.”
Senator Padilla concluded: “There is no reason critical permitting reviews should be delayed by outdated, bureaucratic systems. Modernizing our systems through digital tools and standardizing permitting data collection across agencies will save money and time while preserving strong environmental standards and public input. E-permitting is a commonsense solution with bipartisan support, and I will keep working across the aisle to get it done.”
The bill aims to address issues such as project delays caused by inefficient paperwork processes by requiring federal agencies to use standardized data systems along with modern project management tools. These changes are expected to lead to improved efficiency within agencies as well as greater accountability.
The proposed legislation has received broad support from various organizations.
