Bill > HR6693

This bill, also known as the SALAMANDER Act, aims to speed up the process of rebuilding after natural disasters by amending the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. It allows for the creation of "general permits" for activities involving the disposal of dredged or fill material in affected waters, which are areas regulated under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. These permits would be issued for up to 18 months following a presidential disaster declaration and would be developed through consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Department of Agriculture, ensuring that recovery activities avoid or minimize harm to endangered or threatened species and their critical habitats, as required by the Endangered Species Act. The bill also mandates the use of agreed-upon "best management practices" to protect these species and their habitats, and importantly, activities conducted under these general permits would not require separate, individual consultations under Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act, thus reducing delays. The Secretary is also required to coordinate with state wildlife agencies and develop national guidance for consistent implementation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6693/all-info