Overview
- The PERMIT Act cleared the House in a 221–205 vote, with six Democrats in support and one Republican opposed.
- The bill narrows Clean Water Act coverage by excluding groundwater, converted cropland, certain waste systems, and rain‑driven ephemeral features.
- It imposes a 60‑day window to challenge federal permits in court and seeks to curb state authority under Section 401 and EPA overrides of Army Corps permits.
- Provisions also extend general wastewater discharge permits to 10 years and drop separate permits for pesticide discharges authorized under FIFRA.
- Lawmakers also advanced bipartisan measures to study NEPA reviews and digitize permitting, as the House prepares a vote on the SPEED Act and the Senate remains divided.