Businesses navigating Pennsylvania’s permitting process may soon find some relief thanks to a new initiative from the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). On Monday, DEP officially launched the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development—or SPEED—program, which allows applicants to hire qualified third-party professionals to conduct initial permit reviews, potentially shaving weeks or even months off approval timelines. Unveiled at a Capitol press conference by DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley, the program was developed to address longstanding concerns about permit backlogs while preserving the department’s regulatory oversight.

“SPEED is really a staff augmentation program for DEP,” Shirley explained. “It’s a tool for applicants that allows a qualified external professional to conduct the initial review, freeing up our staff to work on other applications.” Under this model, DEP still makes the final permitting decision, but initial technical reviews are delegated to vetted professionals outside the agency.

The program was authorized by legislation included in last year’s state budget. PMTA has supported permitting reform as a way to encourage business development and help Pennsylvania companies compete with those in surrounding states.

Since 2023, DEP has hired more than 200 additional employees and rolled out a new online Permit Tracker, yet demand continues to outpace the department’s ability to review complex permit requests.

For now, SPEED is available only to those applying for Chapter 102 earth disturbance permits—a common requirement for construction projects involving stormwater discharges. However, DEP plans to expand the program to include additional permit types such as:

Chapter 127 Air Quality Plan Approvals

Chapter 105 Water Obstruction and Encroachment Permits

Chapter 105 Dam Safety Permits

Oil and Gas Erosion and Sediment Control General Permits (ESCGPs)

Participation in the SPEED program begins with submission of an online intake form through DEP’s website. That form triggers a pre-application meeting coordinated by the department, where applicants and DEP staff discuss eligibility, scope, and the appropriate third-party expert—referred to as a Qualified Professional (QP). DEP maintains a roster of roughly 100 approved QPs, all of whom must have at least five years of relevant experience in Pennsylvania, a valid professional license, and no recent conflicts of interest or disqualifying legal history.

After selecting a QP, applicants participate in a pre-submission meeting with DEP staff to confirm expectations, deliverables, and timelines. From there, the QP performs the technical review of the application within an expedited timeframe—typically within 20% of DEP’s standard review window. Up to two rounds of deficiency responses are allowed, each within 10% of the normal timeline. Once complete, DEP conducts a final review and issues either an approval or a deficiency letter.

Importantly, applicants who use SPEED must pay the costs of the third-party review in addition to the standard permit fees. While that could be a barrier for some smaller operators, others may find the investment worthwhile if it helps them avoid project delays and costly idle time.

Senator Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland), who has long advocated for permit reform, praised the program and noted its similarity to the third-party model used for Pennsylvania’s vehicle inspection system. “This is about modernizing government and empowering professionals to help get things done without compromising safety or oversight,” he said.

For PMTA members involved in site development—such as building or expanding terminals, adding truck parking, or constructing maintenance facilities—the SPEED program could prove a valuable tool. The early coordination process and third-party expertise may reduce surprises and lead to faster decision-making. DEP has reported that, during a pilot phase, similar third-party reviews reduced average review times for Chapter 102 permits by 73 days.

PMTA encourages members to familiarize themselves with the SPEED program and consider whether it could be beneficial for their development projects. Key takeaways for members include:

Use DEP’s Intake Form to initiate the process and schedule a pre-application meeting

Review the list of approved Qualified Professionals on DEP’s SPEED webpage

Prepare for additional costs associated with third-party technical reviews

Use the Permit Tracker tool to monitor application status in real time

PMTA will continue to monitor implementation of the SPEED program and advocate for fair and consistent application across industries. If you or your company choose to participate in the program, we welcome your feedback to help shape future improvements and ensure that the process works for the trucking industry.