Bill > S3316

This bill establishes the Waterway Permit Section 404 Assignment program, which allows states to voluntarily assume certain federal permitting and environmental review responsibilities for highway, railroad, and public transportation projects. Under this program, states can enter into written agreements with the Secretary of the Army and the EPA Administrator to take over responsibilities related to issuing permits for discharging materials into navigable waters, conducting environmental reviews, and managing project approvals. States must demonstrate they have the financial resources and capability to handle these responsibilities, and they will be subject to federal court jurisdiction and periodic audits to ensure compliance. The program provides flexibility for states, allowing them to participate in whole or in part, and includes provisions for capacity building, monitoring, and potential termination if a state is not adequately performing its assigned responsibilities. The bill aims to potentially streamline environmental reviews and permitting processes for infrastructure projects by giving states more direct control over certain federal regulatory functions, while maintaining federal oversight and the ability to intervene if necessary. States can also choose to assist local government projects under this program and will be deemed a federal agency for certain legal purposes related to the assigned responsibilities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3316/all-info