Bill > HB0437

This bill establishes a program for the expedited review of environmental permit applications, allowing for faster processing of certain permits. It defines an "eligible permit" as one enforced by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) or the Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining (DOGM) and designated for expedited review by rule. An "expedited review" will be conducted by a "qualified reviewer," who is a licensed professional certified by the relevant department or division, has at least five years of experience, and meets other criteria, including no recent environmental crimes or fraud convictions and no revoked or suspended licenses. Applicants requesting expedited review must submit a written request, pay all associated costs, and provide a completed application to a qualified reviewer. The qualified reviewer will conduct the review within a timeframe set by rule and submit a preliminary decision to the department or division, which then conducts a final technical review and makes a final administrative decision. The bill also outlines requirements for qualified reviewers, including conflict of interest rules, and grants rulemaking authority to the DEQ and the Board of Oil, Gas, and Mining to establish the specifics of the expedited review process, such as which permits are eligible, the timelines, and the certification requirements for qualified reviewers.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0437.html