Critics say a new order from Gov. Tom Corbett will pressure state employees to more quickly approve environmental permits, including Marcellus Shale gas wells and projects that involve sensitive wetlands or ecosystems.
 
The order, signed July 24, is described as a "Permit Decision Guarantee" for the Department of Environmental Protection.
 
Environmental advocates say the order directs the agency to "consider compliance with the review deadlines a factor in any job performance evaluations" of staff.
 
George Jugovic Jr., a former supervisor for the DEP says he thinks the message is clear that issuing the permit has a higher priority than doing a fair and thorough job of insuring that the application complies with the law.
 
On the other hand, DEP spokesman Kevin Sunday says that Corbett's new order "will not sacrifice environmental protection." 
 
Corbett said last month that many groups have complained about how long it takes to approve permits.