House Republicans aim to expedite infrastructure permitting process with new water legislation

(UI) – According to TTNews.com, a bill that would “expedite” the infrastructure permitting process is on the House of Representative’s docket for February. Floor action for the bill, titled “Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting” Act, could begin as early as Monday, Feb. 12.

The Republican-led legislation would “update and improve” Clean Water Act permitting processes, “codifying  existing rules and practices,” TTNews.com reported. Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.) said after the bill’s approval by the GOP that the Clean Water Act has been “weaponized over the years to delay permits and even prevent critical infrastructure and energy projects from moving forward.”

In an explanatory report from the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the bill aims to “find balance” between the Clean Water Act’s regulatory and permitting process through reforms. The bill would “promote regulatory efficiency while increasing transparency and continuing to protect and promote clean water,” the report said.

The legislation would also streamline the permitting process by using elements for the Nationwide Permitting Improvement Act. Doing so, according to the committee, will clarify parts of the permitting process that have historically been challenging and confusing to navigate.

This story was originally reported by TTNews.com

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