The FREE Act would require federal agencies to review their permit systems and report to Congress within 240 days. Each agency would assess whether some permits could use a process called “permitting by rule.” Under that process, applicants would certify that they meet written requirements. If an agency does not approve or deny a complete application within 180 days, the application would be treated as approved. Agencies could audit permits and enforce the requirements. Applicants could appeal certain agency decisions in federal court.
If you apply for a federal permit, the bill could create a faster application option for some types of permits. Agencies would decide which permits could use that option. The bill would not require every permit to switch to the new process.
The bill does not state a total cost. In certain cases, an agency would have to pay an applicant’s legal fees and costs if the applicant wins a qualifying court case.
The bill’s findings say federal permitting can be slow and costly, and that permitting by rule could reduce delays while allowing agencies to check compliance and enforce requirements.
No publicly available information.