Pocono Mountains, PA — November 20, 2025

For residents and developers in the Poconos, waiting months for building permits may soon become a thing of the past. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently approved its first permit under the new Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program — a program designed to speed up approvals for major construction projects while protecting the environment.

The first permit, for a mixed-use development in York, cleared the DEP in just 51 days — less than half the typical review time for similar stormwater management permits. Projects like this include new homes, apartments, and retail spaces, which could have ripple effects for communities across Pennsylvania, including the Poconos.

For Poconos residents, this means faster approval for local housing developments and commercial projects, helping to address rising housing demand in Monroe, Pike, and Carbon counties. Local businesses and contractors may also benefit, with shorter wait times for permits helping projects get started sooner.

DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley highlighted the balance the program strikes: “SPEED allows communities to grow, supports local economies, and still ensures environmental protections. It’s a faster, smarter way to handle permits that matter to residents.”

The SPEED program covers permits related to stormwater management, air quality, earth disturbance, dam safety, and water obstruction, with recent expansions including storage tank permits, small mining projects, and concentrated animal feeding operations.

With tools like the Permit Tracker and an upcoming public database for SPEED permits, residents in the Poconos will be able to see which projects are moving through the system and how quickly.

For the region, the program could mean more housing options, more economic opportunities, and a more efficient permitting process — all without compromising the natural beauty that makes the Poconos unique.