West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has issued a third executive order targeting state regulations.
The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports the Republican signed an executive order on Monday to expedite permit processes for industry, business and economic development projects. Justice says the goal is to speed up economic development by backing off overregulation and providing security for job creators.
The West Virginia Development Office will have 45 days to decide whether a project is of critical economic concern, which would require agencies to prioritize it.
West Virginia Rivers Coalition Executive Director Angie Rosser said the streamlined process could have "dire" environmental and public health consequences, as it could cut out public input and lead to unfair prioritization.
Justice says his orders are responsible for repealing 60 percent of the code of state rules.
