Army Overhauls Permit Process to Speed Environmental Reviews

2025-20402 — Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States”

The EPA and Army Corps are updating the rules that decide which waters are protected under the Clean Water Act, following a 2023 Supreme Court decision. This change helps everyone know exactly which waters are covered, making it easier to protect lakes, rivers, and wetlands while respecting state and tribal rights. People and businesses affected should share their thoughts by January 5, 2026, as this update could impact water projects and environmental protections.

2026-05328 — Notice of Mississippi River Commission Public Meetings for Spring 2026

The Mississippi River Commission is hosting public meetings in spring 2026 on a cool boat called the Motor Vessel MISSISSIPPI, stopping in Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. These meetings let locals share their thoughts and hear updates on river projects that affect communities and the environment. If you live near the river or care about its future, mark your calendar for these free, open-to-all events!

2026-05051 — Notice of Solicitation of Input on Potential Future Changes to Nationwide Permits; Establishment of a Public Docket; Request for Input

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants your ideas to make nationwide permits easier and faster to use. These permits affect anyone doing work that impacts U.S. waters, like construction or land changes near rivers and wetlands. Share your thoughts by May 15, 2026, to help shape future rules that could save time and money for businesses and communities.

2025-15110 — Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustment Rule

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is raising fines for breaking water and fishing rules to keep up with inflation. This means anyone who violates laws about rivers, harbors, or fishing could face bigger penalties starting soon. It’s all about making sure the rules stay fair and the environment stays protected!

2026-00121 — Reissuance and Modification of Nationwide Permits

The Army Corps of Engineers is updating 56 existing Nationwide Permits and adding one new permit to help protect our waters while making it easier to get approval for certain projects. These permits, which affect builders, developers, and utility companies, will start on March 15, 2026, and last until March 15, 2031. The changes aim to balance environmental care with smoother project approvals, with no big new costs expected.

2025-13251 — Procedures for Implementing NEPA; Processing of Department of the Army Permits

The Army fixed a mistake in a rule about how it handles environmental reviews for permits. This update clears up confusion from a July 2025 rule and makes sure everyone knows the right steps. If you apply for Army permits, this correction helps keep things smooth and on track—no extra costs or delays expected.

Previous: 2025-12353 — Procedures for Implementing NEPA; Removal

The Army Corps of Engineers is dropping its own NEPA rules for its Civil Works projects because the main NEPA rules they followed were removed. Instead, the Department of Defense will set new, department-wide NEPA guidelines. This change affects anyone involved in Army Civil Works projects and is happening now, with a chance to share your thoughts.

Next: 2025-12363 — Recission of NHTSA's 1975 Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts

NHTSA is ditching its old 1975 rules for checking environmental impacts because they’re outdated and no longer valid. Instead, NHTSA will follow the newer, updated Department of Transportation rules to keep things fresh and clear. This change affects anyone involved in vehicle safety and environmental reviews, with no extra costs or delays expected.