PITTSBURGH (AP) — 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.