Quinn signs bill to streamline permits

Gov. Pat Quinn went to a Chicago chocolate factory to sign a bill that streamlines the permitting process at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

The bill Quinn signed Tuesday means the state EPA can become more efficient by doing things like online permitting.

Quinn says it's important that it not take forever for businesses to get their necessary permits so they can get working. And the Chicago Democrat assured people that the measure won't sacrifice environmental protections in the state.

The new law will let many low-polluting small businesses register with the agency rather than go through the extensive process of getting an air permit.