BGOV Bill Analysis: H.R. 3898, Water Permitting Overhauls

Permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act would be eased under H.R. 3898.

The measure would extend the maximum life of permits allowing certain discharges into waters, create new permit exemptions, and require clean water certifications to be based only on water quality standards, among other changes.

The bill’s supporters said regulatory overhauls are needed ensure energy projects aren’t held up by the current permitting process, which has allowed states to block or delay projects for reasons not related to water quality.

“Rogue bureaucrats and activists have taken advantage of well-intended legislation to assault infrastructure development, delaying progress and ...