It's a welcome development anytime state government can reduce red tape.

Therefore, a pilot program started by the Rendell administration to streamline air plan approvals merits positive notice.

Air plans detail how facilities will control emissions to ensure compliance with state air quality regulations. The new pilot program is aimed at reducing the time it takes the commonwealth to issue air plan approvals while still protecting the environment.

In exchange for a speedier plan-approval process, applicants will be expected to meet with the appropriate Department of Environmental Protection regional office staff prior to submitting their applications. Applicants also will be expected to submit applications that are both administratively and technically complete, and respond to department requests for needed additional information in shorter time frames.

The pilot program will run through June 30, but the new rules presumably will be made permanent if the pilot process works well.

"We want people to know that in Pennsylvania, we're committed to protecting our environment and to having reasonable expectations and requirements for companies that need to meet our environmental standards," said Gov. Ed Rendell. "The changes . . . will maintain the same degree of environmental protection and public involvement while removing unnecessary obstacles in the process - in some cases cutting in half the amount of time it takes to issue air plan approvals."

This pilot effort could be a victory not only for businesses, but for the state officials who must shepherd applications through the approval process.

A reasonable amount of red tape is necessary to detect and address potential problems. However, an inordinate amount of that "red stuff" serves no one's best interests.