The Pennsylvania Senate on June 22 passed two bills sponsored by Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Washington, to improve the permit appeals process.

Senate Bill 198 is aimed at better balancing the need for citizens to have the chance to voice their concerns while also making Pennsylvania’s permit appeals process efficient and predictable, a statement from Bartolotta’s office said. When the Department of Environmental Protection deems appropriate, appeals would be limited to issues that were raised in the public comment period, which would give businesses more assurance that their projects will not be delayed.