Nationwide Permitting Improvement Act

House Votes

This bill changes how the Army Corps issues and renews general permits for putting dredged or fill material into certain waters. It doubles the maximum permit term from 5 to 10 years. It also narrows what must be studied: only the direct effects from the discharge are considered, and any discharge affecting less than 3 acres of navigable waters is treated as having minimal harm.

It requires nationwide general permits for “linear infrastructure” projects—like pipelines, power lines, communication lines, and other routes that move people, water, wastewater, carbon dioxide, or fuels—if each single project would affect under 3 acres. When renewing these nationwide permits, it removes certain endangered species consultation steps and says a shorter environmental assessment is enough to meet federal review rules. The Army Corps must also quickly update its rules to speed up permitting, and it may not change certain existing definitions and conditions from a 2021 rule.

Key points

• Who is affected: Builders, utilities, pipeline and energy companies, transportation and communication projects, and communities near waters and wetlands.
• What changes: Permit terms extend to 10 years; effects under 3 acres are deemed minimal; nationwide permits are kept for small linear projects; some wildlife consultations are not required for renewals; an environmental assessment is enough for renewals; the Corps must streamline rules and keep certain 2021 definitions in place.
• When: Changes take effect upon enactment, with rule updates to be done quickly.