PERMIT Act

The Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today Act (PERMIT Act) is a broad reform package to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act). It seeks to speed and clarify federal permitting processes for water-related projects, while making targeted changes to the scope of coverage and how standards, certifications, and permits are developed and enforced. Key aims include reducing permitting uncertainty for infrastructure and energy projects, extending certain general permitting authorities, requiring greater consideration of treatment technologies and costs in standards, and narrowing the definition of “navigable waters.” The bill would affect federal agencies (notably the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers), state and interstate agencies that issue or participate in permits, and a range of permit applicants (construction, energy, agricultural operations, etc.). Some provisions expand timelines and exemptions that could make permitting faster and more predictable, while others narrow what waters are regulated and increase reliance on state-led certification processes. Note: The provided text covers sections 1–18 in detail, with the rest of the table of contents (sections 19–21) listed but not described in the excerpt. The summary below focuses on the enacted provisions and changes that are included in the text you supplied.