House Committee Advances Permitting Reforms

What happened: A package of proposals called the PERMIT Act was approved June 25 by the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. The bills aim to cut red tape and streamline permits required by the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Among the improvements included are provisions to clarify which features are not considered Waters of the United States (WOTUS) and protect projects from prolonged litigation.

Why it matters: In a letter sent to all committee members urging their support, ARTBA explained the package “modernizes the permitting framework by restoring balance, transparency, and certainty needed to deliver projects on time, on budget, and in full compliance with the law.”

What’s next: The legislation has the support of House GOP leadership, but has not yet been scheduled for a vote on the House floor.