FREE Act

The FREE Act would require federal agencies to review their permitting processes and evaluate whether they could replace traditional permitting systems with a permit-by-rule approach. This bill has been referred to committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. If enacted, the legislation would aim to streamline federal permitting procedures, potentially reducing the time and complexity involved in obtaining permits for various activities. The practical impact on citizens could include faster approval times for projects requiring federal permits, such as infrastructure development, energy projects, and other activities subject to federal permitting requirements. By establishing a permit-by-rule system, the bill seeks to make the permitting process more efficient while maintaining regulatory oversight.