On August 28, 2014

Top ANR official calls for streamlined permit process

By John Herrick, VTDigger.org

Vermont’s environmental permit review process must be changed, according to a top state regulatory enforcement official.

David Mears, commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, told members of the Associated Industries of Vermont last Tuesday, Aug. 19, that the state must make it easier for developers to apply for environmental permits such as those for stormwater, septic and wetlands.

“I remain utterly, completely frustrated by the permit review process,” Mears told a crowd of business owners attending the event. He said there should be more public involvement in the early stages of a permit review process and an expedited appeal process for concerns raised after a permit decision is issued.

Last minute permit appeals to the state environmental court cost developers time and money, Mears said, and they are a “headache” for the agency.

Mears said the appeal process should include what is called an on-the-record review in which a court would consider the evidence that has already been presented by the state and the developers, rather than deciding an appeal de novo, with all new information.

Previous proposals to adopt on-the-record review have failed in the Legislature. This year, Mears said he would like to present a balanced proposal to the Legislature that has both the support of the business community and environmental groups.

“I have no interest in trying to jam any of these improvement ideas down anybody’s throat,” he said.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

With cost of education driving voters, lawmakers feel pressure to respond

November 20, 2024
Dem lawmakers and governor defer to each other to take up proposals By Ethan Weinstein/VTDigger Vermonters cited affordability as a top priority in the 2024 election, and last week, they voted to send more Republicans to Montpelier than in recent decades.  Driving affordability concerns is the cost of education, which fueled this year’s average education property tax increase of 13.8%.…

VTrans announces new plow names and winner of long-wing contest

November 13, 2024
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) received 118 new names for its big orange plow trucks through this year’s Name a Plow program for Vermont schools. The agency also received 77 entries in the contest for schools to name the new plow truck that has a second plow spanning 21 feet and will be used…

Vermont’s regular deer season starts Nov. 16

November 6, 2024
Hunters are gearing up for the start of Vermont’s traditionally popular 16-day regular deer season that begins Saturday, Nov. 16 and ends Sunday, Dec. 1.  A hunter may take one legal buck during this season if they did not already take one during the archery deer season. “The greatest numbers of deer continue to be…

Hospitals report runs into furor over ‘major restructuring’ recommendations 

November 6, 2024
Analysis plunged state’s healthcare system into anxiety, uncertainty By Peter D’Auria/VTDigger Last month, a consultant released a sweeping report recommending significant changes for Vermont’s healthcare system, including “major restructuring” at four community hospitals. The 144-page state-commissioned document details a series of steps that Vermont’s hospitals should take to stay afloat, including repurposing inpatient units and downgrading emergency departments…