Governor Glenn Youngkin signs Executive Order to promote transparency and efficiency in permitting and licensing

Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced the signing of Executive Order 39, aimed at promoting transparency and efficiency in the state’s permitting and licensing processes. The new order seeks to reduce wait times and costs for Virginians, streamlining application procedures for permits, licenses, certifications, and registrations.

“From the outset of my administration, improving government efficiency for Virginians has been a priority,” said Governor Youngkin. “We’ve reduced red tape by streamlining 50,000 regulatory requirements, saving citizens over $1.2 billion. With our innovative approval tracking system, we are making it clearer and easier for residents to navigate these essential processes, taking significant strides toward making Virginia the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Office of Regulatory Management Director Reeve Bull emphasized Virginia’s pioneering role in governmental transparency. “Virginia is the only state with a comprehensive platform that incorporates permit applications,” Bull stated. “Executive Order 39 builds on this foundation, directing agencies to bring remaining permit types online and expedite processing times.”

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is already making progress in modernizing the permitting process. DEQ Director Mike Rolband highlighted improvements achieved through the Permitting Enhancement and Evaluation Platform, which has cut processing times by 70% and allows the public to track permit schedules and reviews.

Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater reiterated the need for balance in regulatory practices. “Our goal is to maintain minimum licensing standards that protect public health and safety while minimizing barriers to employment,” he said. “We want to ensure that Virginians can start working quickly, provided they meet the necessary qualifications.”

The Office of Regulatory Management, established in June 2022, has already made significant strides in reducing regulatory burdens, having eliminated over 50,000 requirements—approximately 17.5% of the total. Enhanced transparency has been a focal point, with 100% of regulatory actions and guidance document amendments now accessible online. The office collaborated with the DEQ to launch the Virginia Permit Transparency (VPT) dashboard, covering over 100,000 applications annually across six agencies.

The new Executive Order directs agencies to eliminate outdated approvals, streamline complex processes, and digitize the application experience, further improving Virginians’ interactions with the state.

The Governor hopes these reforms are a significant advancement in Virginia’s commitment to creating a more efficient regulatory environment, reinforcing Governor Youngkin’s vision for the Commonwealth as an ideal place for families to thrive.