• The draft simplifies the regulations on integrated permits and reduces the administrative burden. 
• Authorities will be exempt from the obligation to conduct additional analysis of the conditions of integrated permits following the publication of new BAT conclusions (EU environmental protection standards for industry), as such analysis is carried out anyway during the examination of an application for the issue or amendment of an integrated permit. 
• The issuing of permits for key energy investments will be taken over by specialised local and regional authorities. 
• Voivodship inspectors for environmental protection will be given the power to perform inspections also in Polish maritime areas. 
• Inspected entities will be given more time to familiarise themselves with the inspection report and the opportunity to submit comments before the proceedings are concluded. 

One of the most important changes is the removal of the requirement for the authority to re-examine the conditions of an integrated permit following the publication by the European Commission of new BAT conclusions – that is, EU requirements setting out the best available techniques, including in the areas of emission reduction and energy consumption, as well as the associated emission levels and monitoring obligations. Instead, within 60 days, the authority will inform the operator of the new requirements and request them to submit an application to amend the permit or to provide an analysis confirming that no adaptation of the installation is necessary. This will speed up the process of obtaining administrative decisions, giving installation operators more time to adapt their installations. 

The draft bill restores the authority of specialised environmental protection bodies to issue integrated permits for installations associated with nuclear power facilities and for liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification plants. These tasks, as is the case for other industrial sectors subject to the requirement to obtain an integrated permit, will be performed by the district administrator, the voivodship marshal or the regional director for environmental protection. The new regulations will also clarify the powers of voivodship inspectors for environmental protection, who will be also able to carry out inspections in Polish maritime areas. At the same time, the division of responsibilities between the Pomeranian and West Pomeranian Voivodship Inspectors for Environmental Protection will be regulated, and inspectors will be able to cooperate with maritime administration bodies whilst exercising their duties. 

The draft also strengthens the rights of entities subject to inspections. Entrepreneurs and other entities subject to inspections concerning water management or compliance with environmental protection regulations will be given sufficient time to familiarise themselves with the report and submit comments. The authority will have 7 days to consider these comments, and if they are deemed valid, the report will be amended or supplemented accordingly. 

The new provisions shall enter into force 14 days after their publication in the Journal of Laws.