Bill > HR3905

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish clear rules for judicial review of permits related to discharging dredged or fill material into waterways. Specifically, the bill creates a 60-day statute of limitations for filing lawsuits challenging individual or general permits, and limits who can file such lawsuits to parties who previously submitted detailed comments during the public comment period. If a court finds issues with a permit's issuance, it must remand the matter back to the relevant agency (Secretary or State) for further proceedings, but cannot automatically vacate or stop the permit unless the authorized activities pose an imminent and substantial danger to human health or the environment with no other legal remedy available. The bill also requires courts to set a reasonable deadline (not exceeding 180 days) for the agency to address the court's concerns. These provisions aim to provide more predictability and efficiency in the permit review process while still maintaining environmental protections.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3905/all-info