Opinion -- Bill Would Streamline Clean Water Act Permitting

     By the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Sam Graves, chair

Legislation that cuts red tape, streamlines reviews, and provides greater regulatory certainty under Clean Water Act (CWA) permitting processes was approved by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today.

H.R. 3898, the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act, is led by Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins (R-GA) and Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and incorporates many separate proposals that had been previously introduced by Chairman Collins and other T&I Committee members.  The provisions included in this combined legislation provide targeted, common-sense reforms that will strengthen the permitting process for permit seekers and holders, while providing clearer instruction and standards for permitting agencies.

“This bill will unleash America’s power to build by cutting red tape, streamlining permitting processes, and providing regulatory certainty, all while continuing to protect clean water. The legislation does not overhaul or roll back the Clean Water Act; it instead makes targeted reforms to the law informed by on-the-ground feedback. I want to thank Chairman Collins and my other Committee members for their excellent work and contributions to this legislation,” said T&I Chairman Graves.

“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,” said Subcommittee Chairman Collins. “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.”