Bill · H.R. 3905· House(119-HR-3905)
Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act
- Introduced
- 6/11/2025
- Last activity
- 6/13/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- Sponsored by
- Eric Burlison
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act aims to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. It specifically changes how judicial review works regarding permits for discharging dredged or fill material. The bill establishes a 60-day statute of limitations for filing legal actions against issued permits or verifications. It also requires that parties filing an action must have submitted a sufficiently detailed comment during the public comment period. Furthermore, the act limits the ability of courts to vacate or enjoin permits unless there is imminent and substantial danger. Finally, it sets a deadline for agencies to act on court orders following a remand.
Yes
Would business owners be better off under this?+5
Increased regulatory certainty and limited litigation favor businesses seeking permits.
Would farmers be better off under this?+4
Streamlined permit processes and reduced litigation risk benefit agricultural operations.
The opposite· 3 of 8
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-4
The bill restricts legal remedies available to challenge permits that might impact water quality.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?-3
By limiting judicial ability to enjoin permits, environmental protection may be weakened.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?-3
Shortened statutes of limitations and stricter standing requirements limit due process for challengers.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Statute of Limitations and Timelines: Under Section 2, paragraph (1), the bill sets a specific 60-day window for filing actions related to individual or general permits or verifications. This provides a clear timeline for when legal challenges must occur.
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Requirement for Detailed Comments: Section 2, paragraph (2) requires that any party bringing an action must have submitted a comment during the public comment period that was detailed enough to put the Secretary or State on notice. This ensures that the issues being challenged were raised during the initial administrative process.
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Limits on Court Remedies: According to Section 2, paragraph (3), courts are generally restricted from vacating, revoking, or enjoining permits unless there is an imminent and substantial danger to human health or the environment. This limits the ability of a court to stop a permit unless specific danger criteria are met.
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Defined Timeline for Agency Action: Under Section 2, paragraph (4), if a court remands a matter, it must set a schedule that does not exceed 180 days for the Secretary or State to take the required actions.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Strict Filing Deadlines: Section 2, paragraph (1) mandates that actions seeking judicial review must be filed within 60 days of a permit or verification being issued. This creates a short window for people to take legal action.
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Restrictions on Legal Standing/Comments: Section 2, paragraph (2) prevents a party from bringing a legal action unless they previously submitted a comment during the public comment period that was sufficiently detailed and related to the issue. This could prevent certain legal actions if the original comment was not deemed detailed enough.
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Limited Judicial Remedies: Section 2, paragraph (3) limits the power of a court to vacate, revoke, enjoin, or limit a permit or discharge. A court can only do so if it finds that the activity presents an imminent and substantial danger to human health or the environment for which no other remedy exists.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections-4Reduces Carbon Emissions-3Improves Public Land Management-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process-3Improves Government Transparency-2Increases Federal Power-2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+5Good For Farmers+4Good For Native Americans-3Good For Low Income Households-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