Today, Governor Youngkin signed House Bill 1125 and Senate Bill 217, establishing a program to expedite the permitting process for transformational economic development projects in Virginia. Improving Virginia’s permitting process is a key goal of the Chamber’s strategic plan, Blueprint Virginia 2030. The permitting process is often a major contributor to delays for important economic development projects. The cost of these delays can be measured not only by added costs to permit applicants and project developers, but also in terms of jobs and economic growth—the sooner a project is permitted, the sooner work can begin, and people can be hired and trained for jobs. Recognizing this reality, Virginia’s competitor states have also established expedited permitting programs to better attract major economic development projects.

The Governor’s decision to sign this important legislation will bolster Virginia’s business climate and will ensure Virginia remains among the most attractive states for new business development and economic growth. House Bill 1125 and Senate Bill 217 give permit applicants and project developers certainty that a permitting decision will be made within the established timeframe while preserving important requirements for public comment to ensure all stakeholders can have their voices heard.

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About the Virginia Chamber of Commerce:

The Virginia Chamber of Commerce is the largest business advocacy organization in the Commonwealth, with more than 30,000 members. The Chamber is a non-partisan, business advocacy organization that works in the legislative, regulatory, and political arenas to act as the catalyst for positive change in all areas of economic development and competitiveness for Virginia. Learn more at https://vachamber.com/.