# Plain Language Summary of the ePermit Act

The ePermit Act makes it easier for businesses and individuals to get environmental permits by moving the application process online. Right now, if you want to do something that needs environmental approval—like building a factory, starting a mining operation, or managing a waste facility—you often have to submit paper applications and navigate complicated processes with different government agencies. This bill requires federal environmental agencies to create digital systems where people can apply for permits, submit documents, and track their applications all in one place online.

The main benefit is speed and convenience. Instead of mailing in stacks of paperwork and waiting weeks to hear back, you can upload everything electronically and get faster responses. The government agencies also benefit because they can process applications more efficiently without dealing with physical paperwork. This could mean permits get approved or denied more quickly, which helps businesses move forward with their projects faster. For environmental protection, the digital system actually makes it easier for agencies to review applications thoroughly since all the information is organized in one system rather than scattered across filing cabinets.

The bill affects anyone who needs environmental permits—construction companies, manufacturers, energy companies, waste management facilities, and agricultural operations. It also affects the federal agencies that issue these permits, requiring them to invest in technology and staff training to run these new online systems. While the bill doesn't change what environmental rules apply or what you need to do to get approved, it removes a lot of the bureaucratic friction from the process, making it less time-consuming and frustrating for everyone involved.

ePermit Act

Johnson, Dusty

ePermit ActThis bill establishes requirements related to digitizing environmental reviews conducted under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) must develop, publish, and iteratively update data standards for the collection and curation of certain data related to environmental reviews. CEQ must also design, test, and build prototype tools for environmental reviews.Additionally, CEQ must publish guidance to assist relevant agencies in implementing such standards as well as certain minimum functional requirements, such as data sharing that enables automated transfer of relevant data among federal agencies. Federal agencies responsible for environmental reviews or authorizations must implement the data standards and such minimum functional requirements.To the maximum extent practicable, CEQ and such agencies must iteratively develop and maintain a unified interagency data system consisting of interconnected federal agency systems and shared services for environmental reviews and authorizations, including a common interactive, digital, cloud-based authorization portal.Within a year,&nbsp;CEQ must oversee a pilot of shared services for environmental reviews and authorizations, including the portal. To the maximum extent practicable, CEQ must develop and implement the unified interagency data system by December 1, 2027.