Overview
- The PERMIT Act cleared the House in a 221–205 vote, with six Democrats in support and one Republican opposed.
- The bill redefines waters covered by the Clean Water Act, excluding groundwater, converted cropland, certain waste systems, and ephemeral rain-driven features.
- It targets Section 401 by constraining state veto power on projects, shortens permit lawsuit windows to 60 days, and would restrict EPA overrides of Army Corps permits.
- Provisions also extend general wastewater discharge permits to 10 years and remove separate permit requirements for pesticide discharges authorized under FIFRA.
- Lawmakers also advanced bipartisan modernization measures, including NEPA study and e-permitting bills, as the House readies a vote on the broader SPEED Act and the Senate remains divided.