Protecting State Environmental Permits: EPA Cannot Revoke Without Congressional Approval.
This Act prevents the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from revoking approved state programs for issuing permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters, unless Congress explicitly authorizes it. This permanently ratifies the existing programs in Michigan, New Jersey, and Florida, ensuring these states maintain control over their permitting processes. For citizens and businesses, this provides greater stability and predictability in obtaining environmental permits at the state level, potentially speeding up construction and infrastructure projects.
Key points
Permit Stability: The EPA is barred from unilaterally withdrawing state permit programs for discharging materials into waters (e.g., in Michigan, New Jersey, Florida).
Increased State Control: These states gain greater certainty and control over environmental permitting, potentially simplifying procedures for local projects.
Streamlined Approvals: The Act clarifies that the approval of a state permit program is not considered a rule or regulation, potentially simplifying future legal challenges.
Introduced
Citizen Poll