H.R. 3898: Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today Act

The "Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today Act" is a proposed piece of legislation that seeks to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with an emphasis on modernizing and streamlining the processes related to water quality and pollution management in the United States. Below are the main components and objectives of the bill:

Streamlining Water Quality Standards

The bill aims to simplify and expedite the establishment and enforcement of water quality standards. By reforming the current regulations, the goal is to ensure that water pollution management processes are more efficient and less burdensome for both regulatory agencies and stakeholders.

Reforming Permitting Processes

One of the key aspects of this legislation is to overhaul the permitting processes associated with water pollution management. This involves:

• Reducing the time required to obtain permits for activities that may impact water quality.
• Streamlining the submission and review processes to encourage quicker decisions and reduce delays in project implementation.

Reducing Regulatory Burdens

The bill aims to significantly lower the regulatory burdens faced by developers, businesses, and other entities involved in water-related projects. This would involve:

• Eliminating unnecessary requirements that lead to extended project timelines and increased costs.
• Encouraging investment in infrastructure projects by making the regulatory framework more accessible and understandable.

Judicial Review Changes

In addition to the reforms aimed at regulatory processes, the bill proposes specific changes to how judicial reviews of individual or general permits are conducted. Key features include:

• Judicial review must be initiated within 60 days of a permit being issued.
• Only parties that participated in the public comment period will be allowed to challenge permits in court.
• Courts have the authority to remand cases for further proceedings but are limited in their ability to revoke permits unless there is an imminent threat to health or the environment.

Overall Objectives

The overarching goal of the bill is to create a more proactive and less adversarial framework for addressing water pollution issues, facilitating infrastructure development, and ensuring compliance with water quality standards in a timely manner.

Relevant Companies

• VEON - As a telecommunications company that may be involved in various infrastructure projects, changes in permitting processes could influence their operational timelines and associated costs.
• CVX - Chevron, being involved in numerous energy and infrastructure projects, may find regulatory changes affecting the pace and feasibility of projects that impact water systems.