Kelly, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Modernize Federal Permitting Process

ePermit Act to digitize the permitting process across federal agencies

Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), John Curtis (R-UT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced the ePermit Act, bipartisan legislation to modernize and streamline federal environmental reviews and permitting by leveraging standardized, digital, and cloud-based technologies. This bipartisan permitting reform will help Arizonans by reducing delays and cutting red tape for projects that fix roads, build homes, and expand clean energy.

Companion legislation introduced by Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Scott Peters (D-CA) passed the House of Representatives in December 2025.

"From water infrastructure to transportation, Arizona has real needs, and we shouldn't be waiting years for things to get built because the process gets stuck," said Kelly. "By modernizing permitting with the latest technology and tools, projects can move forward faster and more efficiently. That means less bureaucracy and fewer delays, without cutting corners on environmental protections or public input."

"Outdated, paper-based permitting systems slow down projects, frustrate communities, and make it harder for agencies to do their jobs," said Curtis. "Our bipartisan legislation brings federal environmental reviews into the twenty-first century by improving transparency, coordination, and public engagement without weakening critical environmental standards."

"In the 21st century, it should be a no-brainer to use modern digital technology instead of pencils and paper to streamline and centralize our permitting process," said Booker. "This is a commonsense solution that will cut unnecessary delays in bureaucracy and save money without compromising environmental standards, all while promoting accessibility and public engagement. Making the government run more effectively and efficiently to deliver for communities is something both parties can get behind, and I'm proud that Democrats and Republicans are coming together to make our government work better for all Americans."

"Our permitting system is outdated and still shaped by paper files and unnecessary bureaucracy," said McCormick. "A digital permitting framework would help federal agencies review permits more efficiently and transparently, leading to faster approvals, stronger coordination, and more predictable timelines for all involved. I am pleased to support this legislation and help transform our permitting process into one that can work effectively for the 21st century."

"Far too often, critical infrastructure projects in Montana are held up because of burdensome permitting processes," said Daines. "The ePermit Act will help cut through red tape and increase efficiency, and I'll work with my colleagues to get it across the finish line."

"Our outdated permitting processes take too long and leave people in the dark the entire time," said Hickenlooper. "Our bipartisan ePermit Actcreates a one-stop-shop to streamline the process, reduce costs, and make it easier for everyone to track."

"There is no reason critical permitting reviews should be delayed by outdated, bureaucratic systems," said Padilla. "Modernizing our systems through digital tools and standardizing permitting data collection across agencies will save money and time while preserving strong environmental standards and public input. E-permitting is a commonsense solution with bipartisan support, and I will keep working across the aisle to get it done."

Background:

The federal permitting process too often falls behind schedule due to outdated, paper-based systems. Lengthy documents, limited transparency, and poor interagency coordination create confusion, delays projects, and invites unnecessary litigation.

The ePermit Act directs federal agencies to adopt standardized data systems and modern project-management tools to tackle these problems head-on, helping agencies work more efficiently while improving public access and accountability by:

• Modernizing the environmental review process.
• Creating a cloud-based permit authorization portal to improve submission, tracking, transparency, and interagency coordination during permitting.
• Preserving existing environmental protection requirements.
• Digitizing NEPA environmental reviews so permitting information is handled through modern, digital systems rather than fragmented, paper-heavy processes.
• Directing the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to develop and publish common data standards for collecting and curating key environmental review data.

See what leaders are saying in support of the legislation here.

The full text of the bill is available here.