Following an aggressive push to streamline operations, the Shapiro Administration in Pennsylvania is celebrating a significant cut in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) permit backlog, reducing it by 41 percent. Governor Shapiro's administration launched the PAyback program, an online money-back guarantee, demonstrating the Commonwealth's commitment to expediting business processes. Since stepping up efforts, including additional staff and overtime, DEP has cut down the permit backlog by nearly 900, which shapes up to a 41 percent decrease as of March 1, as reported by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Governor Shapiro's message is clear: he wants Pennsylvania not just to be business-friendly but to actively facilitate success. Beyond adding 15 new staff members, and thanks to funds allocated in the 2023-24 budget, the DEP has revamped its processes to take advantage of digital tools that enhance efficiency and customer experience. According to the information from the Governor's office, the DEP’s 'Public Upload' platform, for example, has been pivotal, with over 7,100 documents processed and revenue exceeding $600,000 since its inception in December 2023.
Additional measures underway to modernize the permit apparatus include refining submission procedures for certain permits, engaging with agricultural stakeholders in regular roundtables, and refining a pre-application consultation service. Governor Shapiro is also backing initiatives to improve the user experience, ensuring Pennsylvania competes effectively for business retention and attraction. "Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, Pennsylvania is successfully competing with other states and countries to retain business and attract business to Pennsylvania," as stated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
In correspondence with these efforts, earlier this year, Shapiro unveiled the Commonwealth's inaugural Economic Development Strategy in nearly two decades, which complements his latest budget. His 2024-25 budget proposition includes $500 million to develop more commercial and industrial sites, $25 million for small business support, and several more million targeting regional economic growth and large-scale innovation sectors, according to the Governor's office. With more than $1.2 billion in new private sector investment reported since January 2023, Shapiro's Pennsylvania is not just on the move, it's setting the pace for business.
