Legislation aimed at streamlining the permitting process under the Clean Water Act (CWA) is set to be considered by the U.S. House of Representatives this week. The bill, known as H.R. 3898 or the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act, is sponsored by Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins (R-GA), with Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) as an original cosponsor.
According to Chairman Graves, “The PERMIT Act will unleash America’s power to build by cutting red tape, streamlining permitting processes, and providing a much more reliable and affordable regulatory process, all while continuing to protect water quality. This bill does not overhaul or roll back the Clean Water Act – instead it makes targeted reforms to the law informed by real, on-the-ground input and feedback from our builders, farmers, small businesses and other Americans trying to comply with an increasingly frustrating permitting regime. I want to thank Chairman Collins and my other Committee members for their excellent work and contributions to this legislation.”
Subcommittee Chairman Collins added, “The PERMIT Act delivers much-needed reform to the Clean Water Act that will overhaul permitting processes and reduce burdens on permit seekers. As we enter a new era with a renewed focus on domestic energy production and growth, this legislation delivers the tools that our country needs to build faster, smarter, and safer. When I was appointed as Chairman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, I put myself on a mission to make our government more efficient and productive for the American people. With Chairman Graves’ leadership, and all members who introduced proposals, I am proud to say that we are doing just that with the PERMIT Act.”
The proposed changes in H.R. 3898 aim to maintain protection of water quality while making it easier for states, local communities, infrastructure builders, home builders, water utilities, energy developers, farmers, small businesses, and others subject to regulation under the CWA to comply with federal requirements.
Since its enactment in 1972, some aspects of CWA permitting have become more complex or costly due in part to litigation or delays unrelated directly to water quality concerns. The PERMIT Act combines various legislative proposals previously introduced by committee members including Reps. Rick Crawford (R-AR), David Rouzer (R-NC), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Burgess Owens (R-UT), Eric Burlison (R-MO), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), Jefferson Shreve (R-IN), Dave Taylor (R-OH), and Jimmy Patronis (R-FL). These measures are intended as commonsense reforms designed to address these challenges.
Further details about specific provisions within the PERMIT Act can be found through summaries provided by committee staff.
