New Jersey has unveiled a pair of initiatives to modernize and streamline its environmental and cross-agency permitting processes, combining internal DEP operational reforms with a new interagency tracking platform.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) launched Operation FAST — Facilitated Approvals for Sustainable Transformation — to restructure permit reviews. The initiative reorganizes permitting programs internally to improve coordination, expands the Office of Permitting & Project Navigation, and adds nearly 50 new positions funded by $4.3M in the proposed FY27 budget. On the technology side, DEP is upgrading its systems to support electronic submissions, modernize internal platforms, and improve tracking and transparency. Operation FAST also emphasizes enhanced coordination for energy and infrastructure projects, and promotes the use of permitting platforms and grant management tools to reduce processing backlogs.
Alongside the DEP reforms, the state is piloting a cross-agency Permitting Dashboard to be developed by the New Jersey Innovation Authority in partnership with DEP, the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The dashboard will allow applicants to track the progress of permit applications across all three agencies in a single interface, with visibility into target due dates, next steps, and status updates. A ten-project pilot is now underway, focused on clean energy, commercial, and multi-family housing projects. A public preview of the dashboard is available at Permits.NJ.Gov.
To drive accountability across the initiative, the state established a cross-agency Permitting Governing Council bringing together DEP, DCA, DOT, the Innovation Authority, and the Governor’s Office. The council is responsible for strategy, coordination, and accountability as the administration works to scale the dashboard beyond the pilot phase.
