Bill · H.R. 3899· House(119-HR-3899)
Clarifying Federal General Permits Act
- Introduced
- 6/11/2025
- Last activity
- 6/13/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- Sponsored by
- Mike Collins
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Clarifying Federal General Permits Act," seeks to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. It focuses on changes regarding general permits under the national pollutant discharge elimination system. The legislation establishes specific rules for how the Administrator handles expiring general permits. It requires a public notice in the Federal Register if the Administrator decides not to issue a new permit. Additionally, it outlines how existing terms and conditions should continue to apply during certain transition periods.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
The bill requires the Administrator to publish a notice in the Federal Register at least two years before a permit expires if no new permit is planned.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+3
The bill ensures that water discharge requirements remain in place even when permits expire, preventing a lapse in environmental standards.
Would business owners be better off under this?+2
The bill offers regulatory predictability by continuing existing permit terms during the transition to new permits.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Predictability in Permit Coverage: Under Section 2, subparagraph (C)(i)(I), the bill ensures that if a permit expires without a required notice being published, the terms, conditions, and requirements of the expired permit continue to apply to existing discharges. This provides a level of continuity for those covered by the permit.
-
Clearer Communication Requirements: According to Section 2, subparagraph (B), the Administrator is required to publish a notice in the Federal Register at least two years before a general permit expires if they decide not to issue a new one. This could provide advance notice to those affected by such a decision.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Extended Requirements for New Discharges: Section 2, subparagraph (C)(i)(II) states that the terms of an expired permit will continue to apply to discharges that would have been covered if they had occurred before expiration. This could impose existing requirements on activities that were intended to be covered by a new, potentially different, permit system.
-
Specific Deadlines for Compliance: Section 2, subparagraph (C)(ii) sets a specific timeline where the current terms must be applied until a new permit is issued or a specific two-year notice period has passed. This could create a period of regulatory uncertainty for those waiting on new permit standards.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+2
- 6/13/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- 6/11/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Introduced in House