December 11, 2025 For Immediate Release Contact: Caroline French, (202) 225-2731
PERMIT Act Passes in the House
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the House passed H.R. 3898, the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act, which includes three bills introduced by Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07). These commonsense reforms will cut red tape, streamline review procedures, and enhance regulatory clarity under the Clean Water Act (CWA). They will also 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 118th Congress when he served as Chairman of Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee.
“I am proud to support the PERMIT Act and celebrate its passage in the House. Time is real money, and Americans should not be weighed down by unnecessary red tape or uncertainty when they are working to grow their businesses and strengthen our economy,” said Rep. Rouzer. “I am grateful to Chairman Graves and Rep. Collins for their leadership in crafting this critical package and getting the bill passed on the House Floor. This legislation will maintain environmental protections while cutting costs and promoting economic growth for our communities, farm families, and small businesses in North Carolina.”
You can watch Rep. Rouzer's full remarks below.
Details on Congressman Rouzer's legislation included in the PERMIT Act:
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.
The PERMIT Act will now head to the Senate for consideration. For a summary of provisions included in H.R. 3898, click here.
