Improving Water Quality Certifications and American Energy Infrastructure Act

House Votes

This bill changes how states review water quality for projects that need a federal permit under the Clean Water Act. It narrows reviews to focus on the actual discharge of pollution, not the whole project activity, by requiring that the discharge “may directly result” from the project and by replacing “activity” with “discharge”. It also limits what states consider to specific Clean Water Act standards (like limits on pollutants and performance standards), instead of any broad “water quality requirement”. The language is updated so agencies must clearly “grant or deny” certifications and use “ensure” rather than “insure,” and it clarifies the notice process tied to certification requests.

The bill keeps room for state water protections that implement water quality criteria needed to support a river or lake’s designated uses (such as drinking, fishing, or swimming), but ties them to the specific Clean Water Act sections listed above. It also updates the findings states must make, requiring that a project not directly cause a discharge that violates those specific federal standards.

Key points

• Who is affected: State environmental agencies, project developers, and communities near proposed projects that need federal permits affecting water discharges.
• What changes: Reviews focus on direct discharges and on specific federal water standards; clearer yes/no decisions; updated notice process; states can still apply water quality criteria tied to designated uses under the Clean Water Act .
• Practical impact: Could speed up permits and narrow reasons for denial to clear, listed water standards, while keeping core protections for designated water uses .