The General Assembly Raised Bill No. 418 aims to streamline the permitting processes within the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) by allowing third-party qualified professionals to conduct permit reviews and make recommendations. The bill mandates the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to develop a framework that includes eligibility criteria, certification standards, and oversight mechanisms for these third-party professionals. Additionally, the Commissioner is required to review all permits under their jurisdiction to identify which can be delegated to these third-party professionals. A report on this framework and review is to be submitted to the relevant joint standing committees by December 31, 2027.

The bill introduces new legal language that establishes the framework for third-party involvement in the permitting process, while it does not specify any deletions from current law. The intent of the bill is to enhance efficiency in the permitting process by leveraging external expertise, thereby potentially expediting environmental and energy-related projects.