Caucus Western (R) RSS Articles

U.S. Forest Service Announces $248 Million in Secure Rural Schools Payments for 2025

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the U.S. Forest Service announced it will be issuing $248 million in Secure Rural Schools payments for 2025. These payments contribute to the support of public schools, the maintenance of local roads, the enhancement of wildfire preparedness, and the provision of other essential services in rural communities. Below are our Members statements on the announcement.

“Secure Rural Schools is a lifeline for rural America. Today, the federal government is recognizing its obligation to serve the communities that are surrounded by the land it manages,” said Chair Celeste Maloy.

“The Forest Service’s announcement of $248 million in Secure Rural Schools payments for 2025 is welcome news for rural communities across the West. These funds will help to ensure counties can fund schools, maintain roads, and provide public safety services despite the challenges of managing untaxable federal lands,” said Executive Vice Chair Nick Begich. “Secure Rural Schools has been a critical bridge for timber-dependent communities, and the Western Caucus will continue advocating for a long-term reauthorization that provides certainty and stability for our rural communities.”

“The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act isn’t just an education issue; it’s about investing in the future of rural America and supporting communities surrounded by federal forests,” said Vice Chair Bruce Westerman. “Many of my constituents in the Fourth District share my belief that our rural schools must be supported in a way that allows them to play a role as a community hub while also supporting our timber industry – the lifeblood for many of our communities across the Natural State. Today’s news is certainly a victory for rural schools across Arkansas and the nation.”

“This is important for rural communities across Colorado’s Third District that depend on Secure Rural Schools funding to support core services, including schools, roads, and public safety. Counties with large amounts of federal land have been operating at a disadvantage for too long, and these payments help close that gap so they can meet the needs of their residents. I will keep working to bring long term certainty to SRS and make sure rural Colorado is not overlooked,” said Vice Chair Jeff Hurd.

“This law, and the funding it provides, was designed to partially offset the massive decline in federal timber revenue. It provides a modest amount of funding for critical services including infrastructure maintenance (roads), wildfire mitigation, conservation projects, search and rescue operations, fire prevention initiatives, and most importantly, money for children’s education,” said Vice Chair Cliff Bentz.

"As a longtime supporter of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, I was pleased to support the SRS Reauthorization Act of 2025. This program has provided vital funding to build and fortify schools, roads, and other municipal services to more than seven hundred counties across the country and to Washington's Fourth District, including Klickitat, Okanogan, and Yakima counties," said Chairman Emeritus Dan Newhouse. "When funding for this program lapsed in 2023, schools closed, road and bridge maintenance was delayed, and public safety was jeopardized. I am thankful that now we have bipartisan support for our rural communities to ensure a lapse in funding does not happen again."

“Secure Rural Schools has been a vital program for communities and school districts in and around National Forest System land since its inception over two decades ago. Since payments were halted in 2023, communities across the country, including many throughout Pennsylvania’s 15th Congressional District, have faced deep uncertainty while waiting for the federal government to fulfill this obligation. I am pleased to see this release of funding finally underway and remain committed to working with my colleagues to ensure the federal government continues to deliver these essential wins for rural America,” said Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson.

“As someone who voted to reauthorize the ‘Secure Rural Schools’ program, I am glad to see these funds flow to Ninth District communities. It is not right for rural communities to miss out on property tax revenue from public lands that could be used for local schools and roads. I am glad that the ‘Secure Rural Schools’ program provides some relief to localities that contain tracts of federally owned national forest,” said Representative H. Morgan Griffith.

“Rural counties across Idaho depend on the Secure Rural Schools program. I'm pleased to see these funds allocated to help Idaho schools, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. As a longtime supporter of the SRS program, I have been proud to advocate for critical funding alongside my Idaho colleagues, and we will continue to fight for a long-term solution,” said Representative Mike Simpson.

"Wisconsin is home to more than 1.5 million acres of federal forest land, and the Secure Rural Schools program helps ensure rural students and families aren’t left behind because of where they live. With this support, more rural communities can keep their schools open, maintain their roads, and keep emergency services running,” said Representative Tom Tiffany.

"Federal programs like SRS are vital to rural communities across America–including my home state of Idaho–where a significant portion of land is owned by the federal government. However, this funding has grown increasingly difficult to garner support for in the U.S. Congress, as states without vast federal landholdings often view this program as a subsidy. I am grateful to Speaker Johnson and House Republican Leadership for their collaborative efforts with my office to get legislation to provide payments through Fiscal Year 2026—in addition to lapsed payments for 2024 and 2025—on the House floor and passed. While I am very pleased to see these funds released, I will continue to advocate for a long-term solution in Congress," said Representative Russ Fulcher.

Policy Overview

The Secure Rural Schools program was signed into law in 2000 to provide payments to States and counties, especially in the Western United States, who had previously received substantial revenues from timber sales, grazing permits, recreation, and other Federal land uses. These revenues, especially those generated from timber sales, declined substantially in the 1990s, creating significant budgetary issues for local governments which SRS sought to counteract. Both the payments from this program and the revenues they are intended to replace were primarily designated for public schools and roads.

This program has been continuously reauthorized by Congress since its original passage, although not always on time. Most recently, the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 was introduced by the late Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO), Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR). It was signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 18, 2025. This legislation reauthorized SRS for FY2024 through FY2026, including necessary retroactive payments because the program had expired.

Read more about the U.S. Forest Service announcement here. If you want to know more about the Secure Rural School program, please visit the information page, here.

Western Caucus Commends Passage of Houchin's Affordable HOMES Act

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Erin Houchin (IN-09) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed her legislation, H.R. 5184, the Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards (HOMES) Act, on a bipartisan vote of 263-147.

“As demand for affordable homes has surged, so have unnecessary costs, making the dream of homeownership slip further out of reach for Americans. The Affordable HOMES Act takes a practical approach by cutting red tape and regulations that contribute to pricing American families out of owning a home, which will increase supply and lower costs. I’m proud to see the House take an important step toward restoring the American Dream with the passage of this bill,” said Representative Erin Houchin.

Western Caucus Celebrates Passage of FY26 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Act

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Energy and Water Development Appropriations Chairman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), and Interior and Environment Appropriations Chairman Mike Simpson (ID-02) released the following statements after today's 397-28 vote in the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026.

“As part of President Trump’s and House Republicans’ mission to renew our great nation, we promised to unleash American-made energy, invest in our military, and modernize infrastructure nationwide. The Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Appropriations Act, which I led and successfully passed in the House, strengthens America by investing in our nuclear deterrent to counter aggression from Russia and China, funding essential upgrades for our ports and waterways infrastructure – including many critical Western Water projects, and strengthening our electrical grid to enhance its resiliency,” said Energy and Water Development Appropriations Chairman Chuck Fleischmann. “The Energy and Water bill also makes historic commitments to decrease our reliance on China’s monopoly of critical minerals, makes America the global leader in the technologies of tomorrow like AI, quantum, and supercomputing, continues to provide robust funding for America’s next-generation Nuclear Navy, and ensures that we continue unleashing American energy dominance to lower energy prices. I am proud that the FY26 Energy and Water bill puts America First and delivers for our great nation. I thank the Trump Administration, Chairman Cole, and my bipartisan colleagues in the House and Senate for their collaboration and support to pass my Energy and Water bill. I look forward to President Trump signing my bill into law.”

“Today's passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Act sends a strong message that House Republicans are determined to advance President Trump's America First policy agenda by reducing energy costs, protecting America's public lands, and reversing harmful Biden-era regulations. As Chairman of this subcommittee, I am pleased that this bill protects important programs that states and local communities rely on. This legislation fully funds the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program and prioritizes funding for Indian Country and Wildland Fire Management. I am grateful to Chairman Cole for his leadership and my colleagues' support across the House floor. I look forward to this critical legislation getting signed into law by President Trump,” said Interior and Environment Appropriations Chairman Mike Simpson.

LaMalfa, Westerman Commend Bipartisan Passage of SPEED Act

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Westerman (AR-04) released the following statements after today's 221-196 vote in the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 4776, the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act.

"Every year there are thousands of projects and more than a trillion dollars waiting to make their way through the federal permitting process. America has the equipment, tools, and workforce to dig new mines, and build new pipelines, but our permitting bureaucracy slows the process to a snail's pace. While they sit in a queue for a rubber stamp, some projects see costs grow by nearly a third without a single shovel moving an ounce of dirt," said Chairman LaMalfa. "Today, the House will finally shift that paradigm. The legislation before us will expedite and solidify the NEPA process for all projects who can pass equal standards of review. I want to thank Chairman Westerman for his steadfast leadership in bringing this to the floor, and look forward to working together until we bring this to the President's desk.”

“Passage of the SPEED Act is a massive win for America. For too long, America’s broken permitting process has stifled economic development and innovation. To build the infrastructure needed to meet skyrocketing energy demand and defend our nation against 21st-century threats, we must fix this process. The SPEED Act will encourage investment, bring certainty to the permitting process, end abusive litigation, and allow America to build again. This bill will help provide affordable, reliable energy across the country and strengthen America’s global competitiveness against China. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to act quickly and send the SPEED Act to President Trump’s desk. We cannot wait any longer.” said House Committee on Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman

Legislative Digest

H.R. 4776, the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act

Clarifies that the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process is "purely procedural" and may not be altered to produce particular results.
Limits the scope of environmental reviews to only those effects which have a "reasonably close causal relationship" the project or action under review.
Prohibits agencies from re-opening environmental reviews which have already been completed before the date of enactment of this bill, unless ordered by a court.
Prohibits other agencies from preparing an environmental document for a project or action if the lead agency has determined that no review is necessary.
Promotes tribal sovereignty and use of their own trust resources by establishing a presumption that a tribe would be negatively affected if no action was taken on a project.
Reiterates that the NEPA process is not triggered solely by funding, grants, or cost-share awards, and that agencies do not need to re-review permits or authorizations which were considered as part of a previous NEPA document.
Allows agencies to rely on previously completed environmental documents for similar projects and actions.
Implements elements of the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado decision, requiring courts to defer to agencies on environmental effects considered during project review.
Removes the ability for courts to vacate or enjoin agency actions under NEPA, allowing them only to remand an action.
Limits plaintiffs to a 150-day timeline to file a civil action against a final agency action, and only allows individuals who commented on an action to have standing.
Requires NEPA-related cases to be resolved within 180 days, and appeals filed within 60 days of a decision.

LaMalfa, Boebert Praise Passage of Legislation Delisting Gray Wolf

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) and Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-04) released the following statements after the House passed H.R. 845, the Pet and Livestock Protection Act, on a vote of 211-204.

“Gray wolves are an apex predator being inflicted upon the people and the wildlife of the West,” said Chairman LaMalfa. “Even as wolf populations continue to expand, outdated federal protections under the Endangered Species Act have stripped away the tools needed to manage them. The ESA was meant to help species recover, not keep them permanently listed long after recovery goals are met. The gray wolf is a clear example of how the law has drifted from its original purpose, and it’s time to delist them. Rural Americans are tired of being victimized by these federal and state regulations.”

“I'm thrilled that the Pet and Livestock Protection Act has now passed the House with a bipartisan vote, marking a major win for ranchers, farmers, and property owners in Colorado and nationwide,” Congresswoman Boebert stated. “The science has been clear for years: gray wolves are fully recovered, and their resurgence deserves to be celebrated as a true conservation success story. It’s long past time to delist them and empower states to set their own management policies. I can’t wait for President Trump to sign this bill into law.”

Background

H.R. 845, the Pet and Livestock Protection Act

Directs the Department of the Interior to delist the gray wolf as an endangered or threatened species, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA).

LaMalfa, Amodei Tout Bipartisan Support in Passing Rosemont Fix

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) and Vice Chair Mark Amodei (NV-02) made the following statements after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1366, the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act on a bipartisan vote of 219-198.

"Every product we use on a daily basis comes from the metals and materials we extract from the land. But wise extraction means knowing what's actually in the ground," said Chairman LaMalfa. "The bill we passed today will restore the intent of our mining laws, which were used successfully for over a hundred years. Environmental groups succeeded in getting a court to rule against decades of precedent supporting exploration for mineral deposits. This fix will be an important provision in all our permitting reform legislation throughout the rest of this Congress."

“Strengthening our domestic mineral supply chain isn’t optional, it’s demanded to ensure we don’t fall further behind China,” said Vice Chair Mark Amodei. “Western states are sitting on a wealth of resources and a critical opportunity to break our dangerous reliance on foreign adversaries while powering our own economy. The Mining Regulatory Clarity Act restores decades of established precedent, repairs a permitting process undermined by the Rosemont decision, and gives domestic mining operations the certainty they need to compete aggressively and win. I’m glad to see the House pass this bill once again with bipartisan support, and I urge the Senate to act swiftly to get it signed into law.”

Background

The Mining Regulatory Clarity Act, sometimes referred to as the “Rosemont fix,” is a response to a May 2022 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit which revoked an approved U.S. Forest Service mine plan of operation for the Rosemont Copper Mine Project, and required the Forest Service to only allow use of public lands for ancillary (or supportive) facilities to a mine if the economic viability of the mine had already been established. In effect, this ruling substantially changed how the Forest Service treated exploration for mining claims by stopping the use of land for operationally necessary purposes, such as waste rock and tailings, before economic viability of a potential mine has been established.

H.R. 1366, the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act

Allows nearby public lands to be used for ancillary, or supportive, activities of a mine site, regardless of whether economically viable mineral deposits have been confirmed.
Establishes the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund to clean up legacy mining sites, supporting the program created in Section 40704 of P.L. 117-58, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The fund will collect revenues from claim maintenance fees paid by the mining operators for the new ancillary mill sites authorized by this legislation.

Earlier this year, Vice Chair Mark Amodei authored a post about the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act on the Congressional Western Caucus Branded Blog, which you can read here.

LaMalfa, Griffith Commend Passage of Power Plant Reliability Act in House

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09) released the following statements after H.R. 3632, the Power Plant Reliability Act passed the House by a vote of 222-202.

"Under the previous Administration, cheap and reliable baseload power like natural gas and hydropower was rushed off the grid. Estimates from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation show increased demand. Because of this, expected plant retirements could create a generation gap of more than 250 gigawatts in the next decade," said Chairman LaMalfa. "If States force power plant closures before replacement, energy prices could surge in neighboring States even if they didn’t adopt such misguided policies. Today’s vote advances legislation that will allow FERC to keep power flowing when the grid’s reliability is threatened.”

“Because of radical ‘Green New Deal’ policies that shun reliable forms of energy like natural gas, coal and nuclear, our electric grid faces a brewing crisis of premature baseload power plant retirements. My bill, the Power Plant Reliability Act, will help shield Americans from blackout threats and ensure the reliable delivery of power to American homes, factories and communities. Thanks to strong leaders like Speaker Johnson, Leader Scalise, Whip Emmer, Chairwoman McClain, Chairman Guthrie and Chairwoman Foxx, the United States Congress is focused on supporting affordable and reliable energy solutions for the American people,” said Rep. Griffith.

Legislative Digest

H.R. 3632, the Power Plant Reliability Act (Rep. Morgan Griffith (VA-09)

Requires power plant owners and operators to notify FERC, State commissions, and transmission organizations at least five years in advance of a planned shutdown of a power generating unit.
Allows State commissions and transmission organizations to petition FERC to potentially order power plants to continue generating electricity for up to five years, if retirement of such facilities would threaten the reliability of the bulk power system.
- Waives Federal, State, and local environmental laws and regulations which conflict with continued operation of facilities under orders from FERC.

Chairman LaMalfa Urges Support for House Passage of SPEED Act

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) released the following statement in support of H.R. 4776, the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act, which is expected to be considered by the U.S. House of Representatives later this week.

"Every year there are thousands of projects and more than a trillion dollars waiting to make their way through the federal permitting process. America has the equipment, tools, and workforce to dig new mines, and build new pipelines, but our permitting bureaucracy slows the process to a snail's pace. While they sit in a queue for a rubber stamp, some projects see costs grow by nearly a third without a single shovel moving an ounce of dirt," said Chairman LaMalfa. "This week, the House will finally shift that paradigm. The legislation before us will expedite and solidify the NEPA process for all projects who can pass equal standards of review. I urge all of my colleagues to support these reforms and get America back to building."

Chairman LaMalfa Commends Passage of Electricity Reliability Legislation

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed three separate bills to improve the reliability of the nation's energy generation system, H.R. 3628, the State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act, H.R. 3638, the Electric Supply Chain Act, and H.R. 3668, the Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act.

“The bills we passed this week were all about making our grid more reliable,” said Chairman LaMalfa. “While States and local governments work on their grid, they should be focused on reliable, baseload power like nuclear and natural gas. Meanwhile, the Federal government should keep their eye focused on delivering energy resources where they need to go, and monitoring interstate supply chain issues. When the system works like it should, our electric grid should go unnoticed.”

Legislative Digest:

H.R. 3628, the State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act

Requires States which employ an integrated resource plan establish measures to ensure 10-year availability of electric energy through reliable generation facilities, which can provide continuous generation for at least 30 days and generate during emergency and severe weather conditions.

H.R. 3638, the Electric Supply Chain Act

Directs the Department of Energy to periodically assess supply chain constraints and vulnerabilities affecting the bulk power system.
- This assessment must include any barriers to expanding domestic manufacturing of components used in the generation or transmission of electricity in the United States, domestic policies which deter investment, the effects of relying upon foreign entities of concern for components or critical minerals, and the workforce challenges of the supply chain.

H.R. 3668, the Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act

Strengthens the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) lead agency role by requiring other agencies to follow FERC's environmental review schedules for interstate natural gas pipelines, and export or import natural gas facilities.
- Requires agencies to conduct any required reviews concurrently with FERC's project review.
Incorporates the Clean Water Act Section 401 certification into FERC's existing review under the National Environmental Policy Act, rather than requiring a separate Section 401 certification from a State or tribe.
- States and tribes would still be able to propose conditions for the certifications.
Shortens approval timelines after the completion of an environmental review to a maximum of 90 days.

PERMIT Act Passes House with Numerous Western Caucus Provisions

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3898, the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act on a vote of 221-205. Included in this measure were individual provisions from Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Vice Chair Jeff Hurd (CO-03), Vice Chair Pete Stauber (MN-08), Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01), Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04), and Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07). After passage of the PERMIT Act, our Members released the following statements on their legislation:

Section 9 of the PERMIT Act, which is based on H.R. 3300, the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act.

“With wildfire season now practically year-round and more destructive than ever, preventing or limiting the use of any fire retardant because someone insists on a permit first is completely backwards,” said Chairman LaMalfa. “Aerial fire retardant has been used safely for decades and is already highly regulated. These lawsuits don’t protect the environment; they tie firefighters’ hands while fires race through forests and towards homes. I’m glad to see the PERMIT Act passed the House with my bill included. It ensures our crews can act quickly, without being tripped up by fringe litigation or years of paperwork.”

Section 17 of the PERMIT Act, which is based on H.R. 3901, the Jurisdictional Determination Backlog Reduction Act.

“Delays in permit approvals are stalling key infrastructure projects in Colorado and across the nation,” said Vice Chair Hurd. “My bill requires the Army Corps to clear this backlog so communities can get moving on critical projects without unnecessary delays. I’m proud this important legislation passed with the PERMIT Act today, and I’m grateful to Chairman Graves and Chairman Collins for their leadership on cutting red tape that prevents America from building.”

Section 12 of the PERMIT Act, which is based on H.R. 3935, the Reducing Permitting Uncertainty Act.

"In Minnesota's 8th District, the PERMIT Act passing means a brighter future for our mining industry—creating good-paying jobs, boosting local economies, and ensuring we responsibly harness the Iron Range's world-class resources to strengthen our national security and supply chains. This landmark legislation slashes unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, accelerates permitting processes for essential infrastructure projects, and paves the way for American energy independence all while maintaining a pristine environment," said Vice Chair Stauber.

Section 19 of the PERMIT Act, which is based on H.R. 3909, the Farmers Undertake Environmental Land Stewardship (FUELS) Act.

"In a time when we need to be doing everything in our power to eliminate the bureaucratic red tape that strangles so many of our nation’s producers, the inclusion of the Farmers Undertake Environmental Land Stewardship (FUELS) Act in today’s Permit Act is a major victory. This sensible legislation reduces regulatory burdens and costs for farmers and ranchers by granting them greater flexibility to self-certify on-farm fuel storage tanks," said Congressman Crawford.

Section 3 of the PERMIT Act, which is based on H.R. 3888, the Water Quality Criteria Development and Transparency Act.

“The Biden EPA issued new water quality criteria with no transparency and no input from the farmers, families, and job creators who have to live with the consequences of these closed-door decisions. Included in the PERMIT Act, my Water Quality Criteria Development and Transparency Act, is a commonsense fix to hold these unelected bureaucrats accountable and give Utahns, and stakeholders across the country, a real voice. I'm proud to see this package pass the House and will keep working with my Republican colleagues to cut red tape and restore accountability," said Congressman Burgess Owens.

Legislative Overviews:

H.R. 3300, the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2025
Section 9 of the PERMIT Act
Sponsored by Chairman Doug LaMalfa
The Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2025 ensures that aerial fire retardant is available for wildfire suppression efforts, uninhibited by Clean Water Act (CWA) permitting delays. Firefighting agencies will no longer need an NPDES permit to use fire retardants from aircraft when responding to wildfires. This bill builds upon existing exemptions in the CWA which allow fire retardants to be used for wildfire suppression.

H.R. 3901, the Jurisdictional Determination Backlog Reduction Act
Section 17 of the PERMIT Act
Sponsored by Vice Chair Jeff Hurd
The Jurisdictional Determination Backlog Reduction Act requires the Secretary of the Army to ensure that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has dedicated enough resources to eliminating the existing backlog of jurisdictional determinations and pending applications for CWA Section 404 dredge and fill permits. In its current state, the Army Corps has reported a backlog of over 3,500 pending jurisdictional determinations that are preventing vital infrastructure projects from advancing.

H.R. 3935, the Reducing Permitting Uncertainty Act
Section 12 of the PERMIT Act
Sponsored by Vice Chair Pete Stauber
The Reducing Permitting Uncertainty Act prevents the EPA from using the CWA to preemptively veto drudge and fill projects before they have filed a permit application or retroactively veto a permit after it has been issued by the Army Corps of Engineers. The EPA will maintain its authority to veto pending applications that will negatively impact municipal water supplies, shellfish beds and fisheries, wildlife, or recreation areas. However, that veto authority can only be exercised while a dredge and fill permit is pending through the normal permitting process.

H.R. 3909, the Farmers Undertake Environmental Land Stewardship (FUELS) Act
Section 19 of the PERMIT Act
Sponsored by Congressman Rick Crawford
The Farmers Undertake Environmental Land Stewardship (FUELS) Act will allow farmers to store significantly more fuel without requiring inspection from a Professional Engineer. Specifically, it will increase the exemption level for a single container of up to 10,000 gallons of fuel, while adjusting the aggregate level for an entire production facility to 42,000 gallons. The FUELS Act reflects the spill risk of producers, lowers costs for farmers, and reduces the regulatory workload of the EPA.

H.R. 3888, the Water Quality Criteria Development and Transparency Act
Section 3 of the PERMIT Act
Sponsored by Congressman Burgess Owens
The Water Quality Criteria Development and Transparency Act requires the EPA to follow a more transparent, accountable, and science-based process when developing water quality criteria for Nationally Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NDPES) permits, under the CWA. The act subjects EPA’s Section 304(a) water quality criteria to notice-and-comment rulemaking, ensuring that all stakeholders and regulated entities can meaningfully contribute before new federal standards are adopted. Additionally, the bill prevents regulatory overreach by providing for a limited judicial review.

H.R. 3928, the Improving Water Quality Certifications and American Energy Infrastructure Act
Section 5 of the PERMIT Act
Sponsored by Congressman David Rouzer
The Water Quality Certification and American Energy Infrastructure Act alters Section 401 of the CWA to prevent government overreach and regulatory weaponization. The act ensures that Section 401 reviews are only applicable for water quality impacts and ensures that states can only consider discharges caused by federally permitted activities during evaluations. Furthermore, states will be mandated to publish clear requirements for water quality certification requests, make final decisions on request acceptance/denial, in writing, based only upon water quality reasons, and to inform project applicants whether they have provided all materials necessary to process a certification request, within 90 days.

H.R. 3824, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act
Section 11 of the PERMIT Act
Sponsored by Congressman David Rouzer
The Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act refines the EPA’s redundant pesticides regulation process to ensure that permits are not required under the NPDES program for discharges of pesticides into navigable waters if the pesticides are registered and used in compliance with their labels and intended purposes. This maintains EPA’s public health and environmental protections while decreasing regulatory burden and cost.

H.R. 3927, the Nationwide Permitting Improvement Act
Section 13 of the PERMIT Act
Sponsored by Congressman David Rouzer
The Nationwide Permitting Improvement Act codifies historical and longstanding practices around the Nationwide Permit (NWP) process, clarifying multiple areas of the NWP process that have created challenges in the past. Additionally, the bill extends the maximum period of reissuance for general permit holders from five to ten years.