The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has identified the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act as a key legislative priority for the 119th Congress. In a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives, NFIB expressed support for the bill, which seeks to modify the Clean Water Act (CWA) to provide more clarity and certainty for small business owners.
Adam Temple, Senior Vice President for Advocacy at NFIB, stated: “In a recent NFIB member ballot, 84% of NFIB members believe that the EPA should not have the authority to regulate creeks, ponds, streams, ditches, and temporary or local bodies of water. Over the last several decades small business owners have dealt with constant changes to the CWA which has prevented them from being able to plan for the future. The PERMIT Act realigns the CWA to its original intent, which is to preserve water quality while setting clear rules for businesses so that they can plan appropriately."
Temple further explained: “This bill codifies the longstanding Waters of the United States (WOTUS) exclusions from federal jurisdiction, such as water treatment systems, ephemeral streams, and prior converted cropland. By clarifying what falls outside of the scope of the CWA, this bill removes the ambiguity that has wreaked havoc on permitting decisions for decades.”
NFIB urged lawmakers to pass H.R. 3898: “NFIB urges Congress to move swiftly to enact H.R. 3898, the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act. This bill will restore certainty to the permitting process and allow small businesses to grow without being held back by unclear or excessive government regulation. A vote in favor of H.R. 3898 will be considered an NFIB Key Vote for the 119th Congress.”
NFIB has been representing small and independent business owners across all states since its founding in 1943 as a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization.
