PA HB1689

Establishes the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development Program within the Department of Environmental Protection to provide expedited review of environmental permit applications

Requires DEP to engage qualified professionals (licensed engineers, geologists, surveyors with 5+ years experience and no criminal/licensing violations) within 90 days to conduct initial permit reviews on behalf of applicants who opt into the program

Applicants pay all costs of expedited review based on hourly rates or set fees; permit decisions must be made within established timelines or the application receives automatic "priority review" with a decision required within 10 additional business days

Failure to issue a permit decision after priority review triggers refund of all permit fees and qualified professional costs to the applicant, and allows appeal to the Environmental Hearing Board

Requires DEP to establish a public online tracking system within 180 days showing permit processing timelines, key dates, and assigned contact information for each application