Congressman Patronis Files Bill to Streamline Environmental Permits
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jimmy Patronis filed H.R. 3902 – Restoring Federalism in Clean Water Permitting Act aimed at cutting red tape surrounding the Section 404 permitting process, which often hampers projects that create jobs and support community priorities. This bill mandates that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator review regulations relating to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act that allow states to assume the environmental approval processes. The goal of this review is to identify ways to reduce administrative burdens and to encourage states to manage their own permit programs. Congressman Patronis is a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I).
Congressman Jimmy Patronis said, “Florida is home to many rich ecosystems that attract millions of people from around the globe to visit our state. Our springs and waterways are some of the most vibrant and pristine in the world, in no small part, due to Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection and water management districts working with local, state, and federal stakeholders to keep them preserved. Many states, like Florida, have the ability to conduct environmental reviews of projects and do so in a timely manner. What we saw under the Biden Administration, however, was the Section 404 process being used to sandbag good projects. Reform is clearly needed as nearly half of states have expressed interest in assuming Section 404 and only three states have EPA-approved programs. With H.R. 3902, Congress will direct the Administrator to conduct a deep dive on the 404 processes, so important projects that aren’t harmful to the environment can get greenlighted without having to deal with bureaucratic or judicial red tape.”
T&I Chairman Sam Graves said, “Congressman Patronis’ bill will encourage the EPA to make important reforms to the Section 404 permit assumption process, paving the way for more states to take the lead in issuing these critical permits, which are used in a variety of infrastructure projects—from energy projects to road construction projects to water resource projects. I want to thank Congressman Patronis for his leadership on this issue by taking a critical step in restoring federalism in the Clean Water Act through common-sense reforms that empower states.”
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About Congressman Jimmy Patronis
Congressman Jimmy Patronis represents the citizens of Florida’s First Congressional District in Northwest Florida and serves as a member of the House Committee on Small Business and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Congressman Patronis works every day to support small businesses, strengthen America’s military, advocate for our nation’s veterans, and fight for every citizen’s opportunity to live the American dream. Follow the activities of Congressman Patronis on Instagram and X.