SB 6188.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Declares an intent to achieve transportation permit reform to expedite the delivery of statewide significant transportation projects through a streamlined approach to environmental permit decision making.  In order to optimize the limited resources available for transportation system improvements and environmental protection, state regulatory and natural resource agencies, public and private sector interests, Indian tribes, and the department of transportation must work cooperatively to establish common goals, minimize project delays, develop consistency in the application of environmental standards, maximize environmental benefits through coordinated investment strategies, and eliminate duplicative processes through delegation of selected permit drafting and compliance activities between state and federal agencies.

     Creates the transportation permit efficiency and accountability committee.  The committee shall integrate current environmental standards, but may not create new environmental standards.  The committee shall conduct three environmental permit streamlining pilot projects and create a process to develop general permits.  Additionally, the committee shall seek federal delegation to the state where appropriate to streamline transportation projects.