1. (1) The division may certify a qualified reviewer to perform an expedited review of an eligible permit.

2. (2) The division may certify an individual as a qualified reviewer of an eligible permit if the individual meets the following requirements:

   1. (a) holds an active professional license in a field related to the eligible permit;
   2. (b) has at least five years of oil, gas, and mining permitting experience;

   3. (c) has not been convicted of, or pleaded guilty to:

      1. (i) an environmental crime, or a similar or related criminal offense under federal or state law; or
      2. (ii) a crime involving fraud, theft by deception, forgery, or a similar or related criminal offense under federal or state law;
   4. (d) has not had a professional license revoked or suspended by a national or state licensing board within the previous 10 years; and
   5. (e) any other requirement established by the division.

3. (3) A qualified reviewer may not perform an expedited review for an applicant of an eligible permit if the qualified reviewer:

   1. (a) has performed services for the applicant within three years of the date of submission of the permit application; or
   2. (b) has any financial or business interest with the applicant.

Enacted by Chapter 425, 2026 General Session