ATLANTA (AP) - Environmental regulators in Georgia have started implementing a law allowing people to pay more money to get a decision faster on environmental permits.
State lawmakers passed a law in 2012 requiring the sped-up service.
Under the plan, those seeking a quicker turnaround time on an air quality permit will pay a fee ranging from $1,000 to $40,000 depending on the type of the project. Employees of the Environmental Protection Division will conduct the permit reviews.
Lawmakers who supported the plan said it was designed to help the cash-strapped department. Officials at GreenLaw, an environmental advocacy group, say they were pleased state officials will not let third-party contractors review permits.
