ALLENTOWN, PA – June 26, 2025 − Sen. Nick Miller (D-Lehigh-Northampton) announces that beginning on June 30, the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program to accelerate the Commonwealth’s permitting, licensing, certification processes at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will begin accepting applications.
Incorporated with PA SITES in the 2024 – 2025 fiscal code, the SPEED program takes an important step to implement more streamlined permit processing reviews. Senator Miller championed both programs and was the prime sponsor of the PA SITES legislation in the Senate, to strengthen Pennsylvania’s competitiveness, attract businesses, and create jobs.
“When I co-sponsored PA SITES, the goal was to make Pennsylvania a top destination for business growth and job creation. Through that program, we have invested in dozens of sites for preparation back to productive use,” Senator Nick Miller said. “By additionally streamlining DEP permitting, we are cutting unnecessary red tape and helping projects get off the ground faster. These changes will bring new investment, good-paying jobs, and long-term economic opportunity to communities across the Commonwealth.”
DEP reviews more than 40,000 permit applications every year. The SPEED program allows a DEP-verified professional to conduct the initial application review. Staff will then evaluate the professional’s recommendations to make final permit decisions or identify technical deficiencies.
Chapter 102 Individual NPDES Permits for stormwater discharges from construction will be available through the SPEED program beginning on June 30, 2025. More permit types will be available through the program later in July.
“Pennsylvania can be a leader in economic development, while still safeguarding natural resources and public health. Governor Shapiro’s commitment to advancing these priorities is helping to drive real economic momentum and move government at the speed of business,” added Senator Miller.
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