Improving Water Quality Certifications and American Energy Infrastructure Act | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 3928
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3928Environmental Protection
Improving Water Quality Certifications and American Energy Infrastructure Act
INTRO JUN 11· LAST ACTION JUN 13
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this bill because it shifts the balance of power between federal and state governments regarding environmental protection and infrastructure development. If this bill becomes law, states will have less flexibility to impose their own water quality standards or consider a wide range of local environmental impacts when reviewing projects that require federal permits. This could potentially accelerate the construction of energy and other infrastructure projects by streamlining the permitting process.
However, it also means that projects might go forward even if they raise concerns under state-specific environmental laws that go beyond the narrow federal criteria. This could lead to concerns about weakened protections for local water bodies and ecosystems if states are no longer able to broadly protect their waters as they see fit. The bill's outcome will directly impact how quickly major projects can be built and the extent to which local environmental concerns can influence those decisions.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Limits the scope of water quality certification review to only activities that 'may directly result' in a 'discharge' and to specific federal water quality provisions.
This narrows what states and the EPA can consider when approving projects, potentially making it easier for projects to get permits.
PROVISION 02
Requires states and the EPA to publish clear requirements for certification within 30 days of enactment and to provide written reasons for their decisions.
This aims to create a more consistent and transparent process for applicants.
PROVISION 03
Mandates that agencies identify all necessary additional information from applicants within 90 days of receiving a certification request.
This imposes a deadline on agencies, intended to speed up the review process and prevent indefinite delays.
PROVISION 04
Restricts the conditions agencies can attach to federal permits to only those related to specific federal water pollution control sections and necessary to support the 'designated use' of the water.
This limits the ability of states to impose broader environmental conditions beyond direct discharges and specific federal standards.
Voters should care about this bill because it shifts the balance of power between federal and state governments regarding environmental protection and infrastructure development. If this bill becomes law, states will have less flexibility to impose their own water quality standards or consider a wide range of local environmental impacts when reviewing projects that require federal permits. This could potentially accelerate the construction of energy and other infrastructure projects by streamlining the permitting process.
However, it also means that projects might go forward even if they raise concerns under state-specific environmental laws that go beyond the narrow federal criteria. This could lead to concerns about weakened protections for local water bodies and ecosystems if states are no longer able to broadly protect their waters as they see fit. The bill's outcome will directly impact how quickly major projects can be built and the extent to which local environmental concerns can influence those decisions.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Limits the scope of water quality certification review to only activities that 'may directly result' in a 'discharge' and to specific federal water quality provisions.
This narrows what states and the EPA can consider when approving projects, potentially making it easier for projects to get permits.
med
Requires states and the EPA to publish clear requirements for certification within 30 days of enactment and to provide written reasons for their decisions.
This aims to create a more consistent and transparent process for applicants.
high
Mandates that agencies identify all necessary additional information from applicants within 90 days of receiving a certification request.
This imposes a deadline on agencies, intended to speed up the review process and prevent indefinite delays.
high
Restricts the conditions agencies can attach to federal permits to only those related to specific federal water pollution control sections and necessary to support the 'designated use' of the water.
This limits the ability of states to impose broader environmental conditions beyond direct discharges and specific federal standards.
Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment
Each State and interstate agency and the Administrator (of EPA) shall publish requirements for certification.
Not later than 90 days after receipt of a request for certification
The State, interstate agency, or Administrator shall identify in writing all specific additional materials or information necessary to grant or deny a request for certification.
GLOSSARY
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Federal Water Pollution Control Act
The main federal law in the United States governing water pollution, commonly known as the Clean Water Act. It aims to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters.
Water Quality Certification (Section 401)
A process under the Clean Water Act where states or tribes review federal permit applications (like those for dams or pipelines) to ensure the proposed project meets state water quality standards before a federal permit can be issued.
Administrator
Refers to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the head of the federal agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment.
Discharge
The release of pollutants or other materials into water, such as from a pipe, ditch, or other source.
Navigable Waters
A legal term under the Clean Water Act referring to all waters of the United States, including major rivers, lakes, and wetlands, subject to federal protection.
Designated Use
The specific purposes a water body should be able to support, as defined by a state (e.g., swimming, fishing, drinking water supply, aquatic life habitat).
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTS
JUN 13, 25
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
COMMITTEE
JUN 11, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
JUN 11, 25
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Specific sections of the Clean Water Act that deal with different aspects of water pollution control, including effluent limitations (limits on pollutants from sources), water quality standards, performance standards for new sources, and pretreatment standards for industrial discharges.
