Requires each federal agency to review its permits and report on whether a permit-by-rule process could replace its current system, and allows agencies to adopt that process for suitable permits.

• Requires the Office of Management and Budget to issue guidance within 120 days of enactment, and each agency to report on its permit types, review steps, and typical review times within 240 days after that guidance.
• For permit types where permitting by rule is feasible, requires agencies to set up within 12 months a process in which applicants certify they meet written standards, and deems an application granted if the agency does not act within 180 days.
• Lets agencies audit permits and suspend or revoke them for noncompliance, and requires agencies to pay applicant attorney fees if they unreasonably delay a required report or permit action.
• Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the accuracy of agency reports and on agency progress in implementing the permit-by-rule process.

• Oversight and Government Reform Committee (House)

Government Operations and Politics