SB 5694-S2 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Finds that environmental review and permitting, especially as applied to complex or controversial projects, can be characterized by multiple overlapping agency authorities, as a result of multiple governing statutes, generally adopted in isolation from one another, whose purposes and requirements may not be integrated and cause correspondingly uncoordinated implementation by administrative agencies.

Finds that the public, as well as permit applicants, agencies, and affected parties, will benefit from an environmental review and permitting system that integrates and makes easily accessible the requirements and documentation for agency decision making, facilitating timely and effective participation in the process.

Declares an intent to proceed in steps to develop and adopt an integrated permit system, working through the office of permit assistance, in cooperation with the department of transportation, the transportation permit efficiency and accountability committee, and local, state, federal, and tribal regulatory agencies. When implemented, the integrated permit system would integrate project design, environmental review, permitting, and mitigation elements into a single process.

Provides that the integrated permit system, including the unified project decision support document and unified project administrative procedure, will not modify or change any agency's substantive regulatory authority including that agency's responsibility and authority to issue and condition its specific permit(s).

Declares an intent to authorize, through a pilot project, development of a guidance document for implementation of a unified project decision support document and development of recommendations for an integrated permit system and for changes to existing law needed for implementation of a unified project administrative procedure.

Provides that, by December 1, 2005, the office of permit assistance shall develop a guidance document for creating a unified project decision support document for state and federal agencies and local governments that will be sufficient to support all regulatory decision making.

Requires the office to submit a report to the standing legislative committees with jurisdiction by December 1, 2003, and December 1, 2004, regarding progress on provisions of this act and by December 1, 2005, upon completion of provisions of this act.

Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.