EPA Improves Permit Transparency With New Website

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has debuted a new website, epa.gov/permits, to act as a centralized platform for information about federal environmental permitting.

According to the EPA, the new website, designed as a resource for the public, permit applicants, and federal agency partners, showcases the EPA’s permitting and environmental review programs and shares information on related statutes and environmental justice initiatives.

Additionally, it displays the status of EPA permits for large-scale infrastructure projects in support of the EPA’s commitments under Title 41 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST-41).

“EPA’s new website is making it easier for the public and stakeholders to learn about the agency’s permitting process and our programs,” said Janet McCabe, EPA deputy administrator. “This new, comprehensive website provides a one-stop portal for the public, permit applicants, and colleagues from other federal, state, and local agencies to quickly find information about EPA’s permitting program and how these permits are helping to protect public health and the environment in communities across our nation.”

“EPA has been working diligently to increase the transparency of information regarding our permitting resources, requirements, and timelines, especially as we implement President Biden’s ambitious Investing in America Agenda,” said Vicki Arroyo, EPA office of policy associate administrator, who oversees permitting and environmental review work for the agency.

The new website includes:

• Centralized information about all EPA permitting programs, information on delegations of authority to states and descriptions of other requirements that are often applicable, such as Endangered Species Act and National Historic Preservation Act consultation.
• Public-facing reports and resources, including environmental justice and civil rights in permitting information.
• Inflation Reduction Act information regarding funding allocated to EPA for improving efficiencies in permitting.
• FAST-41 information, including an explanation of EPA’s roles under the act and a table that shows the status of EPA permits needed for FAST-41 projects and project tracking.