Nationwide Permitting Improvement Act
Sponsored By: Representative Rouzer, David [R-NC-7]
In Committee
Summary
**This bill would *expand and streamline nationwide permitting under Clean Water Act section 404(e)* to make more projects eligible for broad permits and shorten review steps.** It would lengthen general permits to 10 years and create a clearer path for linear infrastructure projects that discharge dredged or fill material into less than 3 acres of waters.
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- Infrastructure builders and operators would see broader use of nationwide general permits for linear projects like pipelines, transmission lines, roads, and water or wastewater lines, with each single and complete project capped at discharges into less than 3 acres. Permits could last 10 years, which aims to reduce how often permits must be renewed.
- Federal environmental review and endangered species processes would be narrowed for permit reissuance by removing state consultation under the Endangered Species Act section 6(a) and federal consultation under section 7(a)(2). NEPA review for general permits would be satisfied by preparing an environmental assessment, and discharges into under 3 acres would be treated as minimal adverse effects.
- The Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, would be required to revise Corps regulations to promote consistent and efficient implementation, while certain 2021 rule definitions and a specific general condition on single and complete projects could not be changed or finalized.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Broader 10-year permits for projects
This bill would let the Army Corps issue general permits on a state, regional, or nationwide basis. Permits could last up to 10 years instead of 5. The Corps would have to quickly revise rules to speed and standardize permitting. It would also keep the 2021 "single and complete project" definitions in place. Together, these steps could cut paperwork and delays for builders, utilities, and small businesses.
Nationwide permits for small linear projects
The Corps would have to keep nationwide permits for linear infrastructure projects that discharge into less than 3 acres of navigable waters per single and complete project. Covered work would include pipelines (oil, gas, and carbon dioxide), power and communications lines, roads, and water or wastewater lines. This could speed approvals for utilities, pipeline operators, and transportation builders.
Shorter environmental reviews for permits
If enacted, the Corps would consider only the direct dredge or fill discharge when judging environmental effects. Any discharge into less than 3 acres of navigable waters would count as a minimal adverse effect. When reissuing nationwide permits, Endangered Species Act consultations would not be required, and a NEPA environmental assessment would be enough. This could shorten review and reissuance timelines for many routine projects.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rouzer, David [R-NC-7]
NC • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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