Congress is expected to consider the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act in September. The PERMIT Act, H.R. 3898, aims to cut red tape, streamline review procedures, and enhance regulatory clarity under the Clean Water Act (CWA).
The bill would amend section 502(7) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to list what the term “navigable waters” does not include. It would also codify Waters of the United States (WOTUS) exclusions for water treatment systems, ephemeral streams, groundwater, and prior converted cropland that were previously included as part of WOTUS regulations.
Supporters say the legislation would provide consistency for farmers and other groups that relied on the exclusions in the past. Critics say the legislation will reduce the bodies of water that qualify for protection under the CWA and remove laws requiring acquiring permits before into discharging into waterways.
AE2S staff will continue to monitor the PERMIT Act and other legislation that affects the water industry and provide updates in future issues of the newsletter.