ATLANTA (AP) — Those seeking environmental permits in Georgia can pay a premium for a faster result under a future new law, a perk that gives businesses flexibility but that some say could also create conflicts of interest.

The law applies to all permits issued by the Environmental Protection Division, and its air branch recently asked for public advice on how to create the system. The chairman of the Senate’s environmental committee, Sen. Ross Tolleson, R-Perry, said the agency is so short-staffed as a result of budget cuts that it would struggle to quicken the pace of reviews. Tolleson said his measure, which takes effect July 1, will help alleviate that strain by allowing outside reviewers to speed up the process. State officials still get the final say on whether a permit is approved.