The Expediency and Accessibility in State Environmental Permitting Act aims to enhance the transparency and efficiency of the environmental permitting process in New Jersey by requiring the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create an online portal known as the Expediency and Accessibility in State Environmental Permitting Portal (EASE Permitting Portal). This portal will allow permit applicants and the public to monitor the status of permit applications, including details on application completeness and review stages. The bill mandates that the portal be developed in phases, starting with the Division of Land Resource Protection and expanding to other divisions over a 30-month period. Additionally, the DEP is tasked with transitioning to a new permitting workflow management system that facilitates better communication and tracking for applicants.

To support these initiatives, the bill includes a provision for a three percent technology surcharge on permit fees, which will fund necessary technology improvements. It also appropriates $3,750,000 from the General Fund, with $3 million allocated for the development of the EASE Permitting Portal and $750,000 for a needs assessment and workplan for the permitting process upgrade. The act emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology to improve public health, safety, and environmental standards while ensuring that the permitting process is accessible and efficient for all stakeholders involved.