EPA Launches New Platform For Environmental Permitting

A new one-stop portal aims to simplify the process for companies that must file for an environmental permit before starting a new project. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently launched a new website, epa.gov/permits, which is a centralized platform for information about federal environmental permitting. 

Here’s what you need to know about the new platform and what it means for your business.

EPA Environmental Permitting Platform

The new EPA website is a resource for any stakeholder in the permitting process, from permit applicants to federal agency partners and the public. 

According to the EPA, the site provides:

• Centralized information about all EPA permitting programs. This includes information on requirements applicants must meet, including requirements under the Endangered Species Act or the National Historic Preservation Act.
• Public-facing reports and resources. Users can research any reports and use resources that apply to the type of permit they are seeking, including environmental justice and civil rights information.
• Inflation Reduction Act information. The act allocated funding to the EPA for improving efficiencies in permitting.

The site also displays the status of EPA permits for large-scale infrastructure projects that are covered under Title 41 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST-41). 

FAST-41 And Infrastructure Projects

Title 41 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST-41) is a section of legislation enacted in 2015 in the United States. FAST-41 aims to streamline the environmental review and permitting process for major infrastructure projects, particularly those related to transportation.

The legislation established the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (FPISC), which is responsible for coordinating the environmental review and permitting process for covered infrastructure projects.

The primary goal of FAST-41 is to expedite the approval process for infrastructure projects while still ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and protection of natural resources. FAST-41 applies to a wide range of infrastructure projects, including transportation, energy, water resources and broadband. 

Integration With Hazardous Waste Disposal Processes

The new EPA permitting platform also holds significant implications for businesses engaged in hazardous waste disposal. For companies that generate hazardous waste, obtaining the necessary permits and approvals for proper disposal is critically important to comply with environmental regulations. 

With the centralized information and resources provided by the platform, businesses can access essential guidance on permit requirements, regulatory guidelines, best practices and compliance assistance tools relevant to hazardous waste disposal and management.

In fact, EPA permit programs are derived from federal statutes like the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act.

The platform's integration with hazardous waste disposal processes may facilitate streamlined permitting for businesses involved in hazardous waste disposal activities. By using the platform's features as a resource, businesses may be able to navigate the permitting process more efficiently, access relevant documentation and communicate effectively with regulatory agencies.