UT HB0437

Creates an expedited review process for environmental permit applications administered by the Department of Environmental Quality and Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining, allowing applicants to hire certified third-party reviewers to accelerate permit processing

Qualified reviewers must hold an active professional license, have at least 5 years of permitting experience, and cannot have convictions for environmental crimes or fraud, or license suspensions within the past 10 years

Qualified reviewers are prohibited from reviewing applications for any applicant they have worked with in the past 3 years or with whom they have financial or business interests

The department/division retains final authority over all permit decisions, conducting a technical review and issuing final approval, denial, or return for deficiencies after receiving the qualified reviewer's preliminary recommendation

Effective date: May 6, 2026; no money appropriated in the bill