HR 3898
PERMIT Act
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Bill overview
This bill changes the definition of ‘navigable waters’ under the Clean Water Act. It specifically excludes certain features like wastewater treatment systems, dry streams, previously farmed land, and groundwater from being considered waterways subject to federal regulation. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will have the authority to determine if other features should be excluded as well. This aims to reduce the scope of the Clean Water Act’s permitting requirements.
Key provisions
- Redefines ‘navigable waters’ under the Clean Water Act.
- Excludes waste treatment systems from federal regulation.
- Excludes ephemeral features (dry streams) that only flow during rain from federal regulation.
- Excludes prior converted cropland from federal regulation.
- Excludes groundwater from federal regulation.
- Authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to determine additional exclusions.
Who is affected
- Developers and construction companies
- Local governments
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Landowners
- Environmental groups
Notable changes
- Expands the definition of what is *not* considered a navigable water under the Clean Water Act.
- Shifts authority for determining exclusions to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Doug LaMalfa
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119th CONGRESS — 1st Session
H. R. 3898
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
A BILL
To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to make targeted reforms with respect to waters of the United States and other matters, and for other purposes.
This Act may be cited as the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today Act PERMIT Act
or the
.
Section 502(7) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1362(7)) is amended—
by striking (7) The term
and inserting the following:
by adding at the end the following:
prior converted cropland;
groundwater; or
any other features determined to be excluded by the Administrator or the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers.