Bill > HR8784

This bill, the Full Responsibility and Expedited Enforcement Act (FREE Act), aims to reform the permitting process used by federal agencies. The key provisions are: 1. It requires each agency to evaluate its current permitting system, determine which permits could be replaced by a "permit by rule" process, and report these findings to Congress. "Permit by rule" is a streamlined approval process that sets specific written standards, allows applicants to self-certify compliance, and imposes a 180-day deadline for the agency to approve or deny the application. 2. For permits identified as suitable for the "permit by rule" approach, the agencies must establish the new application process within 12 months of submitting the initial report. This new process includes clear standards, a simple certification-based application, and timely approvals, with the agency retaining the right to audit and enforce compliance. 3. The bill provides for congressional oversight, allows agencies to maintain both the previous and new permitting systems, and requires the Government Accountability Office to assess the accuracy of the agency reports and the progress of implementation. The goal is to streamline the permitting process, avoid unnecessary delays and expenses, while still allowing agencies to protect the public interests that the permitting systems are intended to address.