Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, with Congressman David Rouzer's (NC-07) support, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advanced commonsense and targeted permitting reform legislation to cut red tape, streamline review procedures, and enhance regulatory clarity under the Clean Water Act (CWA). H.R. 3898, the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act included three bills introduced by Congressman Rouzer. These commonsense reforms are designed to increase permitting efficiency by providing more predictable guidance for applicants and clearer standards for permitting agencies.

This package is a more expansive version of the Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act, a similar package led by Rep. Rouzer in the 118^th Congress when he served as Chairman of Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee.

"I am pleased to see the PERMIT Act advancing in the 119th Congress. Everyday Americans should not be burdened by unnecessary red tape and uncertainty while trying to grow their business and contribute to our economy," said Rep. Rouzer. "I would like to express my gratitude to Chairman Graves for his leadership throughout this process. This legislation will have a significant, positive impact for our communities, farm families and small businesses in North Carolina."

“Congressman Rouzer has long been a leader in Congress in working to bring commonsense to Clean Water Act programs and permitting processes, so that our farmers, builders, businesses, and many others can operate in a manner that protects water quality and allows for economic growth. I commend him for his important contributions to this legislation and for his ongoing leadership on these issues,” said Chairman Sam Graves.

Details on Congressman Rouzer's legislation:

Improving Water Quality Certifications and American Energy Infrastructure Act (H.R. 3928): Clarifies process and scope of Section 401 CWA approvals by states are limited to only impacts to water quality to end the weaponization of the water quality certification process to stall critical infrastructure and energy projects.  

Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act (H.R. 3824): Eliminates a duplicative regulatory process at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the use of pesticides while maintaining public health and environmental protections.

Nationwide Permitting Improvement Act (H.R. 3927): Codifies longstanding, historical interpretation and practice around the Nationwide Permit (NWP) process and provides clarity regarding several areas where challenges have risen against the well-established process.