WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) has joined Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and other colleagues in introducing the Permitting Transparency and Accountability Act, a legislative effort aimed at increasing visibility and predictability in the federal permitting process.
The proposed legislation would require all federal agencies that issue permits to create and maintain a dedicated webpage where applicants can track the status of their permit applications. These online platforms would include detailed information such as completed and pending steps, estimated timelines, and agency contact information.
Supporters of the bill argue that the legislation would address longstanding concerns over delays and lack of communication in federal permitting. Senator Britt emphasized the importance of streamlining processes for economic development, noting that improved transparency would support infrastructure growth in areas such as transportation, energy, and broadband.
“The Permitting Transparency and Accountability Act is a critical step in providing regulatory certainty,” Britt said. “Progress should not be impeded by unnecessary regulation or a lack of transparency.”
Senator Scott, who authored the bill, echoed the need for reform. “The federal permitting process can be an overly bureaucratic, frustrating, and long process… My Permitting Transparency and Accountability Act simply requires agencies to create a page on their website to allow applicants to track the status of their approval.”
Senator Britt has previously taken positions advocating for clearer and more efficient permitting policies. She has been critical of the Biden Administration’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, arguing that its ambiguity has created costly compliance burdens. She also praised recent efforts to reevaluate the rule in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers.
In addition to her support for this bill, Britt is a co-sponsor of the Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act, which would shift permitting responsibilities for liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
