FREE Act

The FREE Act requires federal agencies to evaluate their permitting systems and transition eligible ones to a "permit by rule" process, where applicants certify compliance with written standards instead of undergoing lengthy reviews. Under this system, permits are automatically granted after 30 days unless the agency issues a written denial with specific reasons, and agencies retain authority to audit compliance afterward. Applicants can appeal denials in federal court, where they may defend a reasonable interpretation of the standards without bearing attorney fees if they win. The bill prohibits agencies from entering settlements that avoid enforcing these new permitting rules, aiming to reduce delays and costs for both government and permit seekers.