ePermit Act

The ePermit Act seeks to significantly improve the efficiency and transparency of federal environmental reviews and authorizations by leveraging modern digital technologies. It mandates the establishment of comprehensive data standards for collecting and curating authorization data, which will organize, define, and standardize various concepts and formats to reduce redundant reviews and support data interoperability among federal agencies. These standards will include a standardized taxonomy and categories for projects, environmental documents, public comments, and geospatial information. The bill directs the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to develop and publish guidance for federal agencies on implementing these data standards and a set of minimum functional requirements . These requirements include automated application data sharing, project screening, case management tools, integrated geographic information system (GIS) analysis, and automated comment compilation and analysis, potentially utilizing Artificial Intelligence. Agencies must assess their current systems against these standards and requirements, submitting implementation plans and progress reports to the CEQ. A central component of this legislation is the creation of a unified interagency data system , which will include a common interactive, digital, and cloud-based authorization portal . This portal will serve as a centralized platform for tracking real-time data on environmental reviews, allowing project sponsors to submit all necessary documentation in one place, and facilitating real-time collaboration with agencies. It will also incorporate visual features, geospatial data submission, and automatic documentation of timelines. The authorization portal is designed to enhance public accessibility and transparency, providing up-to-date information on project statuses and timelines, while also offering Congress direct access to aggregated performance data for oversight. The bill outlines specific metrics to be tracked, such as achieved efficiencies, comparisons of authorization timelines, and agency compliance with the new standards. The General Services Administration will host this portal, ensuring accessibility for Congress, federal agencies, and the public, with appropriate safeguards for sensitive information. The CEQ is authorized to enter into contracts to facilitate these improvements, with a pilot of shared services, including the portal, required within one year, and the full unified system to be implemented by December 1, 2027.