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Restoring Federalism in Clean Water Permitting Act

USA119th CongressHR-3902| House 
| Updated: 6/13/2025
Jimmy Patronis

Jimmy Patronis

Republican Representative

Florida

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, titled the "Restoring Federalism in Clean Water Permitting Act," directs the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator to review the regulations governing the approval of state permit programs under Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The primary goal of this review is to identify revisions that will streamline the approval process , reduce administrative burdens , and encourage additional states to assume responsibility for administering these crucial permit programs. The Administrator is mandated to complete this review within 180 days of the bill's enactment and implement any necessary revisions. Furthermore, the legislation amends Section 404 to introduce new provisions concerning judicial review of EPA's approval of state permit programs. It establishes a strict 60-day statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit challenging such an approval, and requires the plaintiff to have submitted a sufficiently detailed comment during the administrative public comment period. If a court determines that the Administrator did not comply with requirements, it must remand the matter to the EPA for further proceedings, but generally cannot vacate, revoke, or enjoin the state's authority to issue permits unless an imminent and substantial danger to human health or the environment is found.
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Timeline
Jun 11, 2025
Introduced in House
Jun 11, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Jun 13, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
  • June 11, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • June 11, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.


  • June 13, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

Environmental Protection

Restoring Federalism in Clean Water Permitting Act

USA119th CongressHR-3902| House 
| Updated: 6/13/2025
This bill, titled the "Restoring Federalism in Clean Water Permitting Act," directs the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator to review the regulations governing the approval of state permit programs under Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The primary goal of this review is to identify revisions that will streamline the approval process , reduce administrative burdens , and encourage additional states to assume responsibility for administering these crucial permit programs. The Administrator is mandated to complete this review within 180 days of the bill's enactment and implement any necessary revisions. Furthermore, the legislation amends Section 404 to introduce new provisions concerning judicial review of EPA's approval of state permit programs. It establishes a strict 60-day statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit challenging such an approval, and requires the plaintiff to have submitted a sufficiently detailed comment during the administrative public comment period. If a court determines that the Administrator did not comply with requirements, it must remand the matter to the EPA for further proceedings, but generally cannot vacate, revoke, or enjoin the state's authority to issue permits unless an imminent and substantial danger to human health or the environment is found.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jun 11, 2025
Introduced in House
Jun 11, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Jun 13, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
  • June 11, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • June 11, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.


  • June 13, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Jimmy Patronis

Jimmy Patronis

Republican Representative

Florida

Environmental Protection

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted