September 29, 2010

RED TAPE REDUCTIONS FOR BUSINESSES BEGIN THIS WEEK

State Representative Susan Johnson announced that legislation she co-sponsored streamlining Connecticut’s process for issuing state permits takes effect later this coming Friday, October 1st.

The new law (Public Act 10-158) requires the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to examine all of its permitting processes and report on recommendations for reducing its time periods for permit reviews.

“Creating jobs and making Connecticut a friendlier place for businesses is a real priority for me,” said Johnson. “I’m pleased that we are able to get rid of the bureaucratic red tape that business and industry have had to contend with in our state, while ensuring that Connecticut’s strong environmental protections remain in place.”

The DEP will now be required to make all reasonable efforts to review initial permit applications for problems within 60 days and make final determinations within 180 days. The bill also automatically extends any general permit beyond its original expiration date, provided DEP has already proposed a renewal of the permit.

In addition, the bill creates an Office of Permit Ombudsman within the Department of Economic and Community Development to work with Connecticut companies seeking permits from the state departments of Environmental Protection, Public Health and Transportation.

Other provisions include:

• Eliminating any duplicative public hearings, thereby reducing the time for businesses to obtain wastewater discharge permits and other permits.
• Requiring the DEP to create a consulting services program within the department to help businesses with the permitting process.
• Requiring the DEP to apply future revisions to water quality standards as regulations.

Representative Susan Johnson is serving her first term representing the 49th Assembly District in Windham. She serves on the Education, Energy & Technology, and Finance Revenue & Bonding Committees.