MPCA: Streamlined Permit Process Yields Success
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says it's achieving a 99 percent success rate in issuing environmental permits for construction of new projects and expansions of existing facilities within 150 days.
The 150-day goal was part of an executive order from Gov. Mark Dayton to streamline the permit process, which became law in the 2011 session. The agency submitted its first detailed progress data to the Legislature this month.
Jeff Smith, manager of the MPCA's Industrial Division, says the agency gives priority to applications involving construction because they have the most bearing on jobs and economic growth. It gives lower priority to simple renewals because those permit-holders can keep operating under their old terms.
The overall success rate for issuing both priority and non-priority permits within 150 days is 81 percent.
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