The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has expanded its Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program to include more types of environmental permits.
DEP launched the SPEED program in June 2025 to help businesses and communities move projects forward faster while still meeting environmental standards. Through the program, applicants can choose a DEP-approved outside professional to conduct the first review of their application. That professional then makes recommendations to DEP – DEP then makes the final decision to approve the permit or return it to the applicant with needed changes.
The program began with a limited number of permits. With the new expansion, DEP now offers SPEED reviews for:
- Air quality plan approvals
- Waterway and wetland encroachment permits (Chapter 105)
- Dam safety permits (Chapter 105)
- General stormwater permits for construction projects (Chapter 102 NPDES, PAG-01 and PAG-02)
- Individual stormwater permits (Chapter 102 NPDES)
- Erosion and sediment control permits (Chapter 102)
- General permits for oil and gas site disturbance (Chapter 102 ESCGP)
By broadening the program, DEP says it will make the permitting process more efficient and predictable while continuing to safeguard Pennsylvania’s air, land and water.
More information is available on DEP’s website.
About the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
For 140 years, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC has served as the region’s catalyst for economic prosperity. The organization combines business, community, and economic development services to enhance the region’s vitality and livability. The Chamber is a five-star accredited chamber through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—a distinction held by fewer than 1 percent of chambers nationwide. CREDC is the Certified Economic Development Organization for Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties.
The Chamber & CREDC celebrates a storied history of being the catalyst that moves the city forward. The Chamber answered the call from Mira Lloyd Dock to lead the City Beautiful movement in 1900. Twenty years later, the Chamber spearheaded the effort to bring reliable, modern electricity to the city. Over the past two decades, CREDC has driven $150 million in economic impact through close to 100 projects in the city, catalyzing the redevelopment of residential, commercial, and industrial sites.
