FREE Act

Bill 119 HR 689, also known as the Permitting Improvement Act of 2021, aims to require every federal agency to assess its current permitting process and determine if a more streamlined approach, known as permitting by rule, could be implemented instead. Permitting by rule is a method that allows for certain activities to be automatically approved without the need for a lengthy and complex permitting process.

The bill seeks to increase efficiency and reduce bureaucratic red tape within the federal government by encouraging agencies to adopt more flexible and simplified permitting procedures. By evaluating their current systems and considering the potential benefits of permitting by rule, agencies can potentially expedite the approval process for various projects and activities.

In addition to promoting efficiency, the bill also aims to ensure that environmental and public health considerations are still taken into account when implementing permitting by rule. Agencies are required to consider the potential impacts of their permitting decisions on the environment and public health, and to make informed decisions based on these considerations. Overall, Bill 119 HR 689 seeks to modernize and improve the permitting process within federal agencies, with the goal of promoting economic growth and development while still protecting the environment and public health.