Legis Daily

Farmers and Ranchers Relief Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4956| Senate 
| Updated: 7/13/2026
Cynthia M. Lummis

Cynthia M. Lummis

Republican Senator

Wyoming

Cosponsors (4)
Mike Lee (Republican)David McCormick (Republican)Alan Armstrong (Republican)Pete Ricketts (Republican)

Environment and Public Works Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill proposes amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, specifically targeting Section 404(f) which governs exemptions for the discharge of dredged or fill material. The primary intent is to provide meaningful permitting relief to landowners by clarifying the scope of these exemptions. Congress intends for the exemptions under Section 404(f)(1) to be interpreted liberally , meaning more activities would be exempt from permit requirements. Conversely, the recapture provision under Section 404(f)(2), which can revoke an exemption, is to be interpreted narrowly . The bill explicitly removes a clause linking the exemption to the recapture provision and adds a new construction clause, further emphasizing a liberal interpretation in favor of not requiring a permit for specified discharges.

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Timeline
Jul 13, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Jul 13, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
  • July 13, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • July 13, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Environmental Protection

Farmers and Ranchers Relief Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4956| Senate 
| Updated: 7/13/2026
This bill proposes amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, specifically targeting Section 404(f) which governs exemptions for the discharge of dredged or fill material. The primary intent is to provide meaningful permitting relief to landowners by clarifying the scope of these exemptions. Congress intends for the exemptions under Section 404(f)(1) to be interpreted liberally , meaning more activities would be exempt from permit requirements. Conversely, the recapture provision under Section 404(f)(2), which can revoke an exemption, is to be interpreted narrowly . The bill explicitly removes a clause linking the exemption to the recapture provision and adds a new construction clause, further emphasizing a liberal interpretation in favor of not requiring a permit for specified discharges.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
2 versions available

Suggested Questions

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

Timeline
Jul 13, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Jul 13, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
  • July 13, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • July 13, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Cynthia M. Lummis

Cynthia M. Lummis

Republican Senator

Wyoming

Cosponsors (4)
Mike Lee (Republican)David McCormick (Republican)Alan Armstrong (Republican)Pete Ricketts (Republican)

Environment and Public Works Committee

Environmental Protection

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