H.R. 2030: Maintaining Cooperative Permitting Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Maintaining Cooperative Permitting Act of 2025, aims to secure the approval of certain state permit programs related to the discharge of dredged or fill material by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Here are the key components of the bill:

Support for State Permit Programs

The bill ratifies and affirms the validity of specific state permit programs that allow for the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters. These programs are associated with:

• The State of Michigan
• The State of New Jersey
• The State of Florida

Restrictions on Program Approval Withdrawal

The bill places restrictions on the EPA's ability to withdraw approval of these state permit programs. Specifically, the Administrator of the EPA cannot revoke these approvals unless such withdrawal is explicitly authorized by a new Act of Congress.

Permit Issuance During Transition Period

There is a provision for a 90-day transition period following the bill's enactment during which the Secretary of the Army and the State of Florida can continue to issue permits under Florida's approved program.

Approval of Comparable State Programs

The bill allows for the Administrator to recognize additional state programs as comparable to those already established. If a new state program is deemed comparable, the EPA must notify the Secretary of the Army and the state, leading to a potential suspension of federal permit issuance for activities covered by the state’s program.

Clarification of Regulatory Process

The bill clarifies that the approval of a state permit program will not be categorized as a rule or regulation under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. This means that the approval process should be less burdensome for states seeking to administer their own programs.

Impact on Federal Oversight

Overall, this bill aims to enhance state-level control over environmental permit processes while limiting federal interference, particularly by the EPA. It seeks to streamline regulatory frameworks for states, potentially leading to quicker approval times for projects that require such permits.

Relevant Companies

• DVN - Devon Energy Corporation: Could be impacted due to potential changes in permitting for energy and resource extraction projects.
• SLB - Schlumberger Limited: May see implications for their operations related to construction and resource extraction that require dredging permits.
• HOLX - Hologic Inc.: Might be affected if their projects intersect with state permitting processes for installation in water-related environments.