Governor Shapiro’s Executive Orders Aren’t a Substitute for Real Regulatory Reform

Harrisburg, PA, November 19, 2024 — Gov. Josh Shapiro today issued an executive order to establish a so-called “fast track” for permits for economic development and infrastructure projects. 

Commonwealth Foundation Director of Policy Analysis Elizabeth Stelle issued the following statement in response: 

“Although Governor Shapiro’s executive order is a step in the right direction, much more must be done to ease the regulatory burden on Pennsylvanians. The governor could help more Pennsylvanians if he pursued legislative regulatory reform. 

“Instead of choosing some permits to ‘fast track,’ Shapiro should work to simplify all of Pennsylvania’s 2,400 plus permits. In 2023, the Senate passed five bills to improve certainty and timeliness in regulatory processes, which all stalled in the House. In the next legislative session, Shapiro should work with both chambers to enact those broad-based and meaningful reforms. Every project, no matter the number of jobs it creates, deserves a transparent and efficient permitting process. 

“As the governor noted, only three individuals received a refund for late permits under his previous executive order, which established the PAyback permit rebate program. Yet, there are 62 state permits with deadlines that are longer than a year. It is too soon to know if Shapiro’s earlier efforts have truly helped Pennsylvanians, but it’s not too soon to make the process easier.” 

For more information about the regulatory reforms that stalled in the House, click here. 

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The Commonwealth Foundation transforms free-market ideas into public policies so all Pennsylvanians can flourish.