HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro’s streamlined permitting initiatives have positioned Pennsylvania as a hub for economic growth, highlighted by Amazon’s $20 billion investment in state-of-the-art data centers. This landmark deal, the largest private sector investment in the state’s history, underscores the administration’s commitment to cutting red tape and fostering business-friendly policies.
Governor Shapiro credited the Commonwealth’s new fast-track permitting system as a pivotal factor in securing Amazon’s commitment. “A big reason we were able to get this done is because of Pennsylvania’s new fast-track permitting system, allowing companies to know exactly how quickly their permits will be processed,” said Shapiro during the announcement.
Since the signing of Executive Order 2024-04, the Pennsylvania Permit Fast Track Program has introduced efficiencies across the permitting landscape. Designed to accelerate timelines, enhance transparency, and manage complex economic projects, the program is coordinated by the Office of Transformation and Opportunity (OTO).
Progress under this initiative has been significant. The Department of State (DOS) reduced processing times for critical business filings from eight weeks to just one day, while processing over 93,000 filings in a single month. “We’ve cut average processing times for several vital filings, ensuring Pennsylvania remains a leader in efficient governance,” stated Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt.
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has also achieved major milestones. Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley confirmed that DEP has reduced its permit backlog by 94%, from 2,400 to just 150 permits. DEP also reviewed over 17,000 permit applications in the first quarter of 2025 and launched a Permit Tracker to improve transparency for applicants.
Governor Shapiro’s broader economic strategy includes targeted reforms to enhance licensing systems, modernize application platforms, and ensure deadlines are met through the PAyback initiative. The policy reassures applicants by promising refunds of application fees if processing exceeds set deadlines.
These advancements complement Pennsylvania’s first economic development strategy in nearly two decades, which focuses on sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and agriculture. The administration has already secured over $25 billion in private investments, including expansions by major firms like Amazon, solidifying Pennsylvania’s position as a top destination for innovation and job creation.
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