PERMIT Act

# PERMIT Act Summary **What the bill does:** The PERMIT Act would narrow the definition of "navigable waters" under the Clean Water Act, a major federal environmental law. Specifically, it would exclude five categories of water features from federal oversight: waste treatment systems, temporary water flows caused only by rainfall, previously converted farmland, groundwater, and any other features the Army Corps of Engineers decides to exclude. This would reduce the scope of federal water protections and permitting requirements. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily impacts farmers, developers, construction companies, and industries that use or develop land and water resources. It could reduce their permitting burdens and costs.

However, it may also affect environmental groups, communities relying on clean water, and wildlife that depend on wetlands and water systems, as federal protections would be reduced in certain areas. **Current status and key point:** The bill has passed the House of Representatives. It now moves to the Senate, where it would need to pass both chambers and receive the president's signature to become law. The bill represents a shift toward streamlining development processes, though environmental advocates argue it could weaken water quality protections.