FREE Act

The FREE Act (Full Responsibility and Expedited Enforcement Act) would modernize how federal agencies issue permits. Currently, agencies have broad discretion in reviewing permit applications with no strict time limits, often resulting in lengthy approval processes. This bill would require federal agencies to evaluate their permitting systems and implement a "permit-by-rule" process for eligible activities. Under this system, if an applicant meets all stated requirements and an agency raises no concerns within 180 days of application submission, the permit would be automatically granted. Agencies would retain the ability to audit compliance, request information, and revoke permits if standards are not met. The bill has passed committee review and is eligible for a floor vote in the House. If enacted, it could potentially reduce permitting timelines from years to approximately six months, though the Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would have minimal fiscal impact and agencies would determine which permits qualify for the streamlined process.