HR 3901119th CongressIntroduced

Jurisdictional Determination Backlog Reduction Act

Introduced: Jun 11, 2025

Environment & ClimateInfrastructure

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Jurisdictional Determination Backlog Reduction Act would require the Secretary of the Army (acting through the Army Corps of Engineers, i.e., the Chief of Engineers) to eliminate the backlog of two types of cases within 60 days after enactment: (1) applications for permits under Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (the Clean Water Act) and (2) requests for jurisdictional determinations. The bill directs the Corps to expedite processing and to reallocate or add personnel and resources as needed to clear the backlog that exists as of June 5, 2025. In short, the measure aims to accelerate decisions on wetlands/filling permits and on whether a given water body or wetland falls under federal jurisdiction.

Key Points

1Purposes and scope: The bill targets backlog in two areas managed by the Army Corps of Engineers—(1) 404 permits for discharges of dredged or fill material into waters (including wetlands) and (2) requests for jurisdictional determinations determining whether a water body or wetland falls under federal jurisdiction.
2Deadline: Requires action not later than 60 days after enactment to eliminate the backlog.
3Mechanism: Directs the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to expedite procedures and to reallocate or augment Corps personnel and resources as needed.
4Backlog reference date: The focus is on backlog existing as of June 5, 2025.
5Legislative status: Introduced in the House (H.R. 3901) on June 11, 2025 by Mr. Hurd of Colorado and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Project proponents (developers, utilities, farmers, municipalities, and others seeking Section 404 permits) who rely on timely permit decisions.- Entities seeking jurisdictional determinations to know whether Clean Water Act protections apply to a waterbody or wetland.Secondary group/area affected- State and local governments and landowners who rely on predictable permitting timelines for planning and compliance.- Environmental compliance professionals who manage regulatory reviews and responsibilities.Additional impacts- Resource and budget implications for the Army Corps of Engineers due to potential increased staffing, funding, or realignment of resources to clear the backlog.- Potential changes in project timelines and regulatory certainty, with a focus on speed of decision-making while maintaining review standards (the bill does not specify changes to substantive review criteria, but rapid processing could affect scrutiny levels if not paired with adequate staffing and oversight).

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