The proposed bill, General Assembly Committee Bill No. 75, aims to expedite the permitting process for the remediation of hydrilla, an invasive aquatic plant, in lakes throughout the state. Specifically, the bill introduces a new provision stating that if the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection does not act on a permit application for hydrilla remediation within three months of receiving it, the application will automatically be deemed approved. This change is intended to streamline the process and facilitate quicker responses to the environmental issue posed by hydrilla.

The bill includes an insertion of a new section that establishes this expedited timeline for permit approvals, while it does not delete any existing legal language. The overall goal of the legislation is to enhance the efficiency of environmental management efforts related to invasive species in state lakes, thereby promoting better ecological health and recreational opportunities.