NJ S3422

Establishes the "EASE Permitting Portal," an online transparency system allowing permit applicants and the public to track the submission, progress, and disposition of environmental permit applications through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Requires phased deployment of the portal across DEP divisions: Land Resource Protection (12 months), Air Quality and Radiation Protection (18 months), Sustainable Waste Management (24 months), and Water Quality (30 months) after funding availability.

Appropriates $3,750,000 from the General Fund, with $3 million for developing the EASE Portal and $750,000 for a needs assessment and cost estimate for transitioning to a unified bidirectional permitting workflow system.

Authorizes a 3% technology surcharge on all covered permit fees, with proceeds dedicated to supporting ongoing technology improvements for the permitting system.

Requires DEP to report to the Legislature within 12 months on a workplan and cost estimate for implementing a comprehensive permitting system upgrade over 36 months.