Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Fischbach (MN-07) cosponsored the Full Responsibility and Expedited Enforcement (FREE) Act.
"The FREE Act will help the many industries across Minnesota's 7th District that have been weighed down by burdensome and time consuming federal permits," said Rep. Fischbach. “One of the largest barriers and expenses to expanding businesses, growing our supply of market rate housing and improving our rural infrastructure has been a lengthy and uncertain federal permitting process. This legislation will help spur investment in responsible rural projects."
Background: This bill requires all federal agencies to adopt a permit by rule, which is a process where an applicant certifies compliance with pre-established criteria to obtain a permit. The system is designed to reduce bureaucratic delays, minimize costs, and enhance predictability in the permitting process. This approach shifts the responsibility of the applicant proving compliance to the government, allowing for automatic permit approval unless the agency identifies that an applicant had not made proper certifications within a specified period.
Further Summary can be found here. Full text of the legislation can be found here.
