The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act, aimed at streamlining permitting processes under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The legislation seeks to reduce regulatory delays and litigation that can increase costs and slow down infrastructure projects.
H.R. 3898 is sponsored by Mike Collins, Chairman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, with Sam Graves, Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as an original cosponsor.
Sam Graves stated, "The PERMIT Act is a package of commonsense reforms to Clean Water Act permitting processes that will help lower construction costs and utility bills, speed up infrastructure project timelines, and provide greater regulatory certainty. The reforms in the PERMIT Act will have immediate impact on energy producers, the agriculture industry, home and road builders, water utilities, and everyday Americans who have to navigate complex and confusing permitting processes. I want to thank Chairman Mike Collins for his leadership on this issue and my other Committee members for their excellent work and contributions to this legislation."
Mike Collins commented, "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."
Supporters argue that these changes will maintain water quality protections while making it easier for states, local governments, businesses—including small businesses—and other stakeholders to comply with CWA requirements. They believe modernizing these procedures could help control construction expenses by reducing unnecessary regulations.
Since its enactment in 1972, some aspects of CWA permitting have become more complicated or costly in recent years due to increased litigation or use as a tool to block projects unrelated to water quality concerns. The PERMIT Act brings together various legislative proposals from several committee members—such as 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)—to address these challenges.
For further details about what is included in the PERMIT Act or additional information about its provisions are available through official channels.
